The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974 after the family of a young leukemia patient recognized the need for a supportive place for families to stay near the hospital. With help from the local McDonald’s community and supporters, the House created a new model of care centered on keeping families close to their children during medical treatment.
That model quickly spread. Today, Ronald McDonald House programs support families around the world through Houses, Family Rooms and Care Mobiles that help remove barriers to care.
Northeast Ohio became part of this movement in 1979 with the opening of the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House, the ninth in the world and the first in Ohio. The Akron House followed in 1985, expanding support for families throughout the region.
In 2020, four Northeast Ohio organizations united to form Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio (RMHC NEO). Together, we now operate Ronald McDonald House programs in Cleveland and Akron, four Family Rooms in partner hospitals, STAR sibling programs in outpatient settings, Care Mobiles, the Ronald McDonald House Resource Link, and family support initiatives such as Happy Wheels Hospitality Carts, snack bags, and boxed lunches for families.
Through these programs and the support of our community, we continue to strengthen families and help children receive the care they need.