Monthly Newsletter July 2025

This year’s Fourth of July at Ronald McDonald House New York was a true celebration of community, comfort and summer fun. The holiday kicked off on July 3 with retired NYPD hero Jimmy Murtagh leading the charge on an epic grocery run, gathering everything needed for a classic barbecue feast.

On the big day, families woke up to a festive brunch and the delicious smell of grills firing up on the terrace. The Yonkers Fire Department joined in, helping prepare mountains of burgers, hot dogs and New York knishes, while volunteers passed out red, white and blue beads and oversized holiday sunglasses to keep the spirit bright.

As the party grew, the terrace and dining room filled with families laughing, sharing stories and enjoying a well-deserved day of carefree fun together. In the evening, everyone gathered in the lobby to board an NYPD-led motorcade to the Seaport for a VIP view of the iconic Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular. Blankets unfolded, snacks were shared and the sky lit up with dazzling bursts of color, giving kids and parents alike a chance to celebrate under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Planning is already underway for next year’s milestone Fourth of July and we cannot wait to make it even more special for our families.

We’re thrilled to share an exciting update to our beloved Guest Chef program, one that brings even more heart, culture, and connection to our dining room.

Starting this month, our young guests and their families now have the chance to partner directly with chefs from RCano Catering to plan each special meal. This new hands-on experience lets kids help select the menu, share their favorite foods, and even pass down cherished family recipes. It’s a chance to bring a true taste of home to the whole House  and to turn dinner into a celebration of the cultures and stories that make our community so special.

Last night, we officially launched this new format with our very first family-led Guest Chef dinner and it was nothing short of inspiring. Maryum, one of our amazing young guests, took the lead in creating a beautiful meal inspired by her home region in Egypt. She shared her family’s treasured fish recipe and took great pride in every step: recruiting sous chefs from among her friends, working side by side with the RCano team in the kitchen, and welcoming everyone with a heartfelt speech before dinner was served.

The dining room was filled with laughter, storytelling, and delicious smells exactly the warmth and comfort we hope every family feels while they’re here.

This meaningful new twist on our Guest Chef program is just one more way we celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our families, honor their cultures, and build lasting connections across the dinner table.
 

We are excited to share that work has begun on a major renovation project that will completely reimagine the communal spaces on the second floor of our House. These spaces are the heart of daily life for families staying with us while their children receive treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.

Approved by our Board of Directors and launched this summer, the project will update our dining, kitchen and program areas to create warm, welcoming places that strengthen our mission of providing family-centered care and comfort.

The new design will feature a Family and Child Enhancement Zone with an early childhood lounge, open play area, enclosed touring space and a dedicated homework and tutoring area. These spaces will be built with safety and connection in mind, using glass enclosures and staff supervision so families can stay close while kids learn and play. Caregivers will also have quiet phone booths to handle calls or work without losing sight of their children.

In the refreshed Dining and Gathering Wing, families will find four modern cooking stations, including two that are fully ADA accessible. A community pantry will make it easy to share ingredients and snacks. The new layout will help parents prepare meals while staying connected with children in the nearby play areas, creating more ease and peace of mind during busy days.

The Volunteer Service Kitchen will expand to better support daily meal service and host more volunteer groups who help prepare food for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week. Families will also have access to a convenient grab-and-go station stocked with fruit, snacks and drinks.

A fully redesigned Recreation and Play Zone will include a new music room, media center and an arts and crafts bar that gives kids creative ways to express themselves and unwind. Flexible layouts will allow for structured activities and open play, helping children feel free and supported at the same time.

Throughout this project, the House will stay open and fully operational to ensure that every family continues to receive the care and support they need without interruption.

“This renovation is so much more than a physical update,” said Dr. Ruth C. Browne, President and CEO of RMH-NY. “It reflects our promise to keep evolving to meet the changing needs of families who stay with us. Every corner will be designed to nurture connection, comfort and moments of joy when they matter most.”

On July third, our Chief Development Officer, Rick Martin, went live to share all the exciting plans for our Fourth of July weekend and to highlight the incredible people who make it possible.

Rick spoke about the joyful line-up of holiday activities designed to bring music, good food, and a sense of community to families staying at the House. He shined a spotlight on our strong partnerships with the Yonkers Fire Department and the New York Police Department, both of which have stood by our mission for years. Leading the day’s celebrations was retired NYPD hero Jimmy Murtagh, who poured his energy and heart into making this holiday special for every family.

Rick also took a moment to thank the donors behind our transportation program. In 2024 alone, thanks to the generosity of corporate partners and individual supporters, RMH-NY provided more than seventeen thousand rides to help families travel safely between the House and the hospitals where their children receive care. These rides help parents focus on what matters most, offering comfort and peace of mind during the toughest times.

We look forward to seeing our NYSE friends again this September at our thirty-third Annual Gala, where we will honor Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange, and celebrate all the supporters who make our work possible.