Celebrating 50 Years of Global Impact

For 50 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has proudly been caring for families so they can care for theirs. Since the doors of the first Ronald McDonald House opened, RMHC has expanded the same mission around the world, providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Here’s a look at the growth of our global impact over the past five decades.

1970s: Beginning a Journey of Care
Our RMHC story began in Philadelphia. In 1974, Philadelphia Eagles tight-end Fred Hill’s daughter, Kim, and her leukemia diagnosis inspired the Hill family to advocate for a place to support families while their children received care at nearby hospitals. Fred collaborated with our co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans to bring that vision to life. By 1979, the success of this vision led to the establishment of 10 more Ronald McDonald Houses across the United States.

1980s: Family Care Grows Globally
The 1980s marked a period of significant growth and international expansion for RMHC. Families in need of accommodations and support near pediatric hospitals drove expanded services across Austria, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and the U.S. By the end of the decade, RMHC had established 117 programs in 5 countries.

1990s: Expanding Family Support
In the 1990s, RMHC continued to identify new ways to support families along their child’s healthcare journey. The first Ronald McDonald Family Room opened in Kansas in 1992, providing families with a supportive space of respite within the hospital. This new program grew quickly around the world in countries like Ukraine, where mothers like Nadia received much-needed rest after a premature birth. “We could cope more easily. Instead of going across the city, I could go up a floor and see my son. It was crucial for us to stay together at that moment,” said Nadia.

By the end of the decade, RMHC continued its international growth with over 205 programs in 26 countries with an expansion of programs across Latin America (Brazil) and Asia (Hong Kong).

2000s: Addressing Healthcare Gaps
In the 2000s, RMHC began addressing pediatric healthcare disparities through deeper partnerships with local clinical service providers. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program launched in the U.S., providing essential healthcare services in underserved communities. Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs offer a variety of services based on the needs of the community, like dental, medical, and health education.

By 2009, RMHC opened nearly 400 programs, including early cancer detection education programs in Brazil and Poland, further expanding our positive global impact.

2010s: Advancing Family-Centered Care
During the 2010s, RMHC focused on advocating for family-centered care, collaborating closely with global government and healthcare leaders to promote the importance of family participation in their child’s care. In 2018, RMHC established its first program in Africa (South Africa) and expanded to more than 750 programs worldwide.

2020s: Family Needs Lead to Growth and Innovation
Now, RMHC continues to innovate and grow, tailoring programs and services to better meet the needs of families. As of 2024, RMHC offers 1,032 programs in 62 countries and regions, all advocating for families to ensure the best health outcomes for children.

The RMHC journey of global impact is a testament to the power of community and compassion. From our first program in Philadelphia to today’s international presence, RMHC has consistently provided essential support to families during some of their most challenging times. As the organization continues to both grow and innovate, our vision remains clear: create a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.