New Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Advocate Children’s Hospital Will Offer Respite for Families in Park Ridge
Today marks another milestone for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) as we unveil the brand new Ronald McDonald Family Room® inside Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge.
This is only possible with the support of our donors and community, like McDonald’s Owner Operators of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, who are the presenting sponsors of the Family Room.
Spanning 4,000 square feet and strategically positioned adjacent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Children’s hematology/oncology Infusion Center, this Family Room—the fourth of its kind operated by RMHC-CNI—will serve as a haven for families, granting them immediate access to their hospitalized child, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
“We understand that nearly 30 percent of families with a child admitted to Advocate Children’s Hospital on our Park Ridge Campus live more than an hour away. This Ronald McDonald Family Room has been designed with them in mind, ensuring they have a peaceful space to rest, grab a bite, or engage in crucial conversations, all away from their child’s bedside,” elaborates Mike Farrell, President of Advocate Children’s Hospital.
In its debut year, we project that the Family Room will accommodate over 600 family check-ins and facilitate more than 16,000 visits to its welcoming hospitality space. It boasts four cozy private sleeping quarters, each with an ensuite bathroom, complemented by a communal kitchen, dining room, and living area—all dedicated to providing families with a serene space to regroup and recharge.
“Research has continually emphasized the significance of proximity between a child and their family during critical medical periods,” notes Holly Buckendahl, CEO, RMHC-CNI. “This Ronald McDonald Family Room is a tangible testament to our commitment to ensuring families get better, together.”
Our dedication to family welfare and health is unwavering. The inauguration of this Ronald McDonald Family Room is a continuation of our expanding endeavors, which includes last year’s launch of the Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital and the addition of 10 guest rooms at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Coverage of the Family Room ribbon cutting event: