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Monthly Newsletter August 2025

Our 2024 Annual Report is now available, and it is filled with powerful stories, milestones, and moments of impact from across Ronald McDonald House New York. From the opening of new Family Rooms to family journeys that inspire hope, the report reflects the many ways we continue to support children and caregivers facing pediatric illness. We invite you to explore the full report and see how your support helps us keep families close.

Read Annual Report

At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), family is at the heart of everything we do, whether at our House on East 73rd Street or in our four Family Rooms across New York City hospitals. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Elmhurst Hospital has become a vital haven for caregivers, offering rest, comfort, and connection just steps away from their child’s bedside.

Thanks to the dedication of program leads Jen Wiener and Feng Jin, the space continues to reflect the cultural and emotional needs of one of the city’s most diverse communities. This summer was full of milestones, from festive July 4th celebrations and a thoughtful self-care resource display to the moving graduation of a NICU family and the joyful return of several alumni families.

We also featured plenty of sweet moments: volunteers Manishi and Grethel transformed the Hospitality Cart into a mobile ice cream bar in honor of National Ice Cream Month, spreading joy throughout the Pediatric Unit. Behind the scenes, RMH-NY’s IT team strengthened internet connectivity for families. These efforts highlight the power of compassion, creativity, and teamwork in making the Elmhurst Family Room more than a space—it’s a lifeline.

At first glance, a Ronald McDonald House New York Hospitality Cart may look like a simple rolling frame filled with snacks and coffee, but to the families it serves, it represents so much more. These carts bring comfort directly to caregivers who cannot leave their child’s bedside.

Each cart is lovingly maintained by the Programs team and pushed by trained volunteers who provide not only snacks but compassion, conversation, and moments of relief during long hospital days. Whether serving patients, families, or staff, these mobile havens embody RMH-NY’s mission to meet families where they are and remind them they are never alone.

Ronald McDonald House New York has launched a multimillion-dollar renovation of its second floor to reimagine communal spaces where families come together during treatment. The renovation will create modern kitchens, play and recreation zones, and dedicated areas for tutoring, volunteering, and caregiver support.

Designed in collaboration with leading partners, the project reflects RMH-NY’s mission to provide comfort, connection, and healing for families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.

This International Youth Day, Ronald McDonald House New York spotlighted the extraordinary impact of its founding partner McDonald’s through a conversation with Bruce Colley, NYC McDonald’s owner-operator and Vice President of the RMH-NY Board of Directors.

From the first Ronald McDonald House in 1973 to today’s 95-room haven, the discussion highlighted the vital role of volunteers, sponsors, and families who continue to inspire the mission of keeping families close.