Ronald McDonald House

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, PA in 1974. Fred Hill, a much-loved tight-end with the Philadelphia Eagles, brought vision and dedication to this effort after his own daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. His idea was simple: provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously-ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 250 chapters have opened worldwide benefiting more than 10 million families.

Since opening our doors in 1980, San Diego’s House has provided more than 100,000 nights of lodging for more than 10,000 families whose children face life-threatening illnesses. Our “home” with 12 bedrooms, laundry and kitchen facilities provides temporary lodging for families of children with cancer, leukemia, and other serious illnesses while children are treated at area hospitals. Located adjacent to Children’s Hospital, our House provides families a refuge from the hospital and keeps them together during their crisis -- twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, we provide a place where comforting strength and stability are received from other resident families in similar situations.

Any family in need with a seriously-ill child being treated at a medical facility in San Diego is eligible to stay at the House. The alternative for these families would often be long hours spent sleeping in waiting rooms or automobiles and eating vending machine meals. Our House eliminates costly hotel and food bills, while providing a secure place to stay, improving quality of life, and most importantly facilitates access for them to the specialized treatments desperately needed for their sick children. Our cost to provide these services to each family is $136 per night, and includes food, utilities, the use of our bedrooms and other House facilities. We ask families to consider making a donation to help us ensure continuation of these important services, however we accept any family regardless of ability to pay. Only about 25 percent of our families are able to contribute a small amount toward this cost.

A child life specialist works with our children and families providing such age-appropriate services as: psychological preparation, education, coping techniques, and therapeutic play to help improve family well being. We also offer programs and services such as a computer lab, therapeutic arts, and transportation to support the families we serve.