making a difference
Every cent helps ease burden of long term medical care for families of sick children
STORY BY MARY BETH SCALLON Cherokee County Living
Anyone who has ever driven up to a McDonald’ s drive-through window has surely noticed the red box under the sill asking for donations to Ronald McDonald House. Many have dropped their coins, maybe a dollar or two – but how many have thought about those who are the recipients of their donations?
Ronald McDonald Houses are a thriving global network, with over 380-plus locations worldwide, providing lodging, meals and support for families with seriously ill children near hospitals, continuing their mission from the first house that opened in 1974, according to information from a RMH website.
Carla Anderson, Marketing and Communications Director for Ronald McDonald House of Houston, explained how the concept began, with the first RMH opening because the founder had a child who was hospitalized for leukemia.
“ In the early 1970s, Fred Hill, a player with the Philadelphia Eagles, had a daughter who was being treated at Children’ s Hospital in Philadelphia,” she said.“ While she was there, he realized there was no place nearby for him to stay. When she was released, he decided to give back.
“ He consulted with her oncologist, Dr. Audrey Evans, and she shared a vision for a temporary home to meet that need. Also, the Philadelphia Eagles general manager got involved. They in turn spoke with Ed Ramsey, McDonald’ s regional manager in that area, and he decided to donate sales from the restaurant’ s newly-released Shamrock Shake, and the first house was opened.”
18 Jacksonville Progress | Spring 2026