40 stories for 40 years
Our History
Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis has served over 40,000 families who have traveled to St. Louis to receive medical care for their seriously ill children. RMHC St. Louis has grown from an eight-bedroom facility to include three Ronald McDonald Houses and eight long-term apartments, all of which can provide lodging to 59 families every night. In addition to the three Houses, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis also operates four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, located inside Mercy Children’s Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Each of these special rooms functions as a quiet oasis within the hospital, offering both local and out-of-town families of pediatric patients the basic comforts of home.
Our Mission
The Ronald McDonald House allows families to access specialized medical treatment by providing a place to stay at little or no cost. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House near the hospital, parents can better communicate with their child’s medical team and help maintain complicated treatment plans. Most importantly, families can focus on their children’s health and well-being instead of the cost of necessities like lodging and meals. Many of the bedrooms inside our Houses can accommodate up to four family members, allowing families to stay together and support each other throughout the stress of their child’s treatment. The Ronald McDonald House also provides a community atmosphere where families can spend time with others facing similar situations. In 2019, nearly 900 families called a St. Louis Ronald McDonald House “home.” The organization continued to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping some of the most fragile families focus on what matters most – the health of their child.
Our Friends
To honor those who have made the last 40 years possible, we highlight 40 stories of past families, donors, volunteers, and community members. Enjoy these stories of hope, healing, and gratitude from our friends and neighbors.