Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) has been a beacon of hope for more than 45 years, providing housing and support to families traveling to New York City for their child’s medical treatment. Inspired by the first House in Philadelphia, RMH-NY was established as the fourth Ronald McDonald House in the world and has become an integral part of the city’s pediatric hospital network.
Our journey began with a 24-room facility on East 86th Street and has since expanded to our current location on East 73rd Street, which houses 84 rooms, including innovative post-transplant suites. These suites have transformed our ability to support families, offering a home-away-from-home where they can be together, reducing isolation and providing everything they need right in their suite.
The addition of our Wellness Center, generously donated by the Blavatnik Family Foundation, has allowed us to focus on the well-being of caregivers, offering programs that support self-care and mitigate stress. Our Family Support Team works hand-in-hand with families throughout their medical journey, and our beloved therapy dog team brings joy and comfort to our young guests.
This past year, we continued to expand our impact beyond the four walls of our House. We’ve strengthened our presence across New York City, addressing broader social and economic conditions that impact health. This includes opening Family Rooms in several boroughs, growing partnerships with community-based organizations, and broadening our donor base. With a presence at more hospitals throughout New York City than ever before, we aim to help even more vulnerable families.
Our efforts to address the social determinants of health have never been more robust. We provide temporary housing, meals, transportation, peer-to-peer support, wellness services, and enriching activities that alleviate the burdens families face when dealing with a child’s illness. This year, we added two new family rooms at NYC Health + Hospitals/Montefiore and Metropolitan, expanding our capacity to serve families in need.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our growth and enhance our services to reach more families. The support from our community—our board, volunteers, donors, and staff—has been invaluable, and we are grateful for every contribution that has helped us make a lasting impact.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Ronald McDonald House New York. Together, we create a world where children with serious illnesses and their families have the resources they need to thrive.
RMH-NY has continuously lightened the load for families dealing with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses, offering a nurturing home away from home while their children receive medical care at NYC hospitals. The heart of our mission lies in the compassionate circle of support extended by our Family Support team. This year, our committed team of licensed social workers and care coordinators, focused on community health, has been crucial in helping families navigate the complexities of NYC’s healthcare landscape and access essential services and resources to enhance their care quality.
Furthermore, they have facilitated the connection between families and our advocacy groups, which include RMH-NY alumni families eager to lend support to those currently staying with us. As the eyes and ears of our House, especially during our ongoing expansion, our Family Support team members play a vital role in driving forward RMH-NY’s health equity initiatives across all five boroughs, ensuring that every family’s journey is a little easier.
In 2024, our volunteers continued to embody the spirit of dedication and innovation to support the House. Their efforts ranged f rom organizing unique fundraisers, actively participating in community-wide events, serving meals, and bringing our Family Room and hospital spaces to life. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in enhancing our community outreach and ensuring families have the support they need.
We are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures healing, community, and overall well-being for the families we support. Our Wellness Services take a holistic approach to help families navigate difficult times with strength and resilience.
Located on the 11th floor, the Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center offers a range of rejuvenating services tailored for caregivers. Led by a skilled team of professionals and compassionate volunteers, the center provides essential moments of relaxation — from restorative sessions to interactive wellness workshops — available both in-person and remotely each week. More than a place to unwind, the Wellness Center is a sanctuary where caregivers can recharge, find comfort, and gain the strength and clarity they need to continue providing loving, supportive care for their children.
This year has been marked by significant growth and rejuvenation of our family support programs at Ronald McDonald House New York. Alongside enhancing our in-person events and expanding the Hospitality Cart program to include seven carts citywide, we celebrated the return of the “Great Days” program, rejuvenating spirits and fostering joy for our families. This cherished initiative resumed with an enhanced lineup of memorable excursions, allowing patients, siblings, and caregivers to take a break from the clinical environment and immerse themselves in the vibrant experiences of New York City and beyond.
Highlights this year included enriching visits to the Central Park Zoo, kayaking on the Hudson, afternoons crafting, and special movie screenings! These activities not only provide a respite from hospital routines but also cultivate long-lasting, joyful memories for all family members.
This year marked a significant expansion of Ronald McDonald House New York’s supportive services with the addition of two new Family Rooms located within NYC Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan and Montefiore/Einstein Hospital. These rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide families with a tranquil sanctuary close to their hospitalized children, offering much- needed comfort during challenging times.
The Metropolitan Family Room, situated within the bustling outpatient waiting area, and the Montefiore/Einstein Hospital Family Room, each serve as a testament to our commitment to supporting vulnerable families in the heart of New York City. By creating these spaces, we not only provide a place for rest and respite but also facilitate easier access to medical consultations and procedures, reducing the logistical stress on families.
These Family Rooms represent more than just physical spaces; they are a hub of emotional and psychological support, helping families to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability amidst health crises. The availability of these rooms allows families to regroup, relax, and find peace, knowing they are just steps away f rom their loved ones.
As we continue to extend our reach across New York City, these Family Rooms are crucial in our mission to enhance the well-being of families facing medical adversity. They exemplify our dedication to not just meet, but exceed the needs of the communities we serve, ensuring that every family has access to compassionate care and support in times of need.
Family Stories
Abdiel is a joyful two-year-old from the Dominican Republic whose life has been intertwined with medical challenges, including a critical liver transplant. Despite frequent hospitalizations from a young age, Abdiel’s spirited approach turns every situation into an opportunity for play, engaging everyone around him as play partners. His resilience transforms routine hospital visits into adventures, exemplifying the power of play to bring joy and normalcy amidst adversity.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we spotlighted Emanuel, a courageous young boy whose battle with osteosarcoma brought his family from Paraguay to Ronald McDonald House New York. The community at RMH-NY became their extended family, offering comfort and stability as Emanuel underwent an amputation and continued treatment. Throughout their stay, the family participated in House activities, finding moments of joy and relief that helped them endure their challenging journey together.
When Dimitris was unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Mother’s Day, his family was suddenly thrown into a medical crisis that required immediate action and a relocation to New York for treatment. His mother, Melissa, took the lead— first navigating hospitals and travel logistics, all while trying to remain strong for Dimitris. The stress of being in an unfamiliar city without the full support of her family lifted when a hospital social worker connected her to Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), where she finally felt a sense of relief. The House provided more than shelter; it offered meals, transportation to and from the hospital, emotional support, and spaces for her children to feel like kids again. Dimitris looked forward to the playroom, while his brother quickly made it his second home. Melissa found peace in the Wellness Center, a quiet space where she could reflect and regroup. With her whole family eventually reunited under one roof, RMH-NY became a crucial foundation in their journey—a place that restored a sense of normalcy during a time filled with fear, change, and uncertainty.