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Our History

In 1974, Fred and Fran Hill's daughter, Kim, was receiving treatment for leukemia at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Throughout her three years of treatment, the Hills observed many families camping out on hospital chairs and benches, unable to afford hotel rooms while their children were receiving medical care.

In an effort to provide these families with a better temporary living situation, Fred Hill rallied his Philadelphia Eagles teammates to raise funds for a comfortable residence. Through the Eagles' general manager, Jim Murray, they connected with Dr. Audrey Evans, the head of pediatric oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who had dreamed of such a place.

With the help of Don Tuckerman from a local McDonald's advertising agency and McDonald's Regional Manager Ed Rensi, the St. Patrick's Day Green Milkshake promotion was launched to raise funds for the purchase of an old house near the hospital. This marked the creation of the first Ronald McDonald House.

Over the next decade, another 10 Houses opened, and today, there are 379 Houses around the world! Ronald McDonald House programs exist in 45 countries, providing comfort and support to millions of families. With the addition of Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals, traveling families as well as local families get the support they need during these disorienting times.

In 1983, the first Ronald McDonald House in New Jersey opened its doors in a modest, 10-bedroom Victorian rowhome located behind Cooper University Healthcare. Over the years, the organization has been able to expand thanks to the generosity of donors like you.

In 1998, the Ronald McDonald House in New Jersey moved to a larger 40,000 square foot facility that boasts 25 bedroom suites, a family cinema, a parents' gym with an adjacent kid zone, a marketplace, and a handicap-accessible playground. With these upgraded amenities, the House is able to better accommodate the ever-changing needs of families seeking a comfortable temporary residence while their children receive medical care.

Vision

A community where medically fragile children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage, and joy.

Mission Statement

Providing Hope, Help, and Home for families of seriously ill children.