Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

A special full-circle moment to end the week: In 2000, Dylan’s family stayed with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa, Inc. while he was being treated at a nearby hospital. 24 years later, Dylan returned to stay at the House, this time as a dad. His son Creed finished his treatment and their family is returning home! We are sending them the best wishes on the next part of their journey. 🎉💙

Through our 1,000+ RMHC programs around the world, we strive to meet the unique needs of families all along their children’s healthcare journey, addressing the importance of proximity, involvement, education and partnership in meeting those needs. 💙🌍

📸: Sala Familiar Ronald McDonald Vall D'Hebron

The RMHC mission goes far beyond giving families a place to stay when their child needs healthcare. Our work aims to provide families with access to care, surround them with a supportive community, and meet their physical and emotional needs.

To learn more about our impact, visit rmhc.org 💙

One of the most special things families find when they turn to RMHC for support is friendship!

Depending on a family's needs, they can be with us for just a couple of days or, in some cases, years. Being surrounded by other families and children experiencing similar situations forms bonds that can last a lifetime. Together, they can play, rest, and support each other when it matters most. 💙

Volunteering with RMHC can take many different forms! At Ronald McDonald Børnefond, volunteers support families by cooking, repairing bikes, knitting socks, and even making towel animals! Each of these acts of care provide physical and emotional support to families, allowing them to focus their energy on their child. Learn how you can get involved at rmhc.org/get-involved 💙✨

“We were so happy to be at the Ronald McDonald House. We were with other families we could exchange stories with and seek recognition from each other.”

When Sef was born prematurely at 28 weeks, his parents Irene and Marco, found the support and strength they needed at Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds. From a loving community of other families with similar experiences to warm meals each day, RMHC allowed them to be with Sef as much as possible during his treatment. 💙

What a week! Over the last few days, RMHC colleagues from 58 countries joined us here in Chicago for the 2024 RMHC International Conference.

It was an incredible time filled with connection, discussion, and inspiration! From our 100 learning sessions to a private screening of Audrey's Children, a biopic of our co-founder, the late Dr. Audrey Evans, we had an unforgettable time together.

Thank you to the 1,700+ members of the RMHC Family that traveled far and wide to be with us. YOU are the heart of the work we do and the driving force of our mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

As we continue to celebrate our milestone anniversary this year, let us remember: we are 50 years young, and our work has just begun!

Congratulations to Brianna & Bryce! They are going home after a combined total of 137 days between two Ronald McDonald Houses. Please join us in congratulating them!

You can help families like Bryce & Brianna stay close to their child by donating at https://rmhc-eiwi.org/

Urgent Ask: We are OUT of 13 gallon trash bags!! If you can donate any 13 gallon trash bags to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City we will be incredibly grateful. Drop off at 730 Hawkins Drive or send via wish list linked below. Thank you!!

https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/wishlists/

This July when you order Ron's Mac pizza from Scout's Honor, featuring macaroni with a garlic herb butter base, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to RMHC-EIWI.
We're so honored to be picked by Scout's, & we really knead the dough!

Thank you to Zio Johno's for providing dinner for our families! Everyone loved the Italian food feast.

Catering a meal is a wonderful way to support families in their time of need. Learn how to sign up here
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/prepare-a-meal/

In 2008, Instituto Ronald McDonald launched the Childhood Cancer Early Diagnosis program, which has trained 35,000 health and education professionals to identify early signs and symptoms of cancer for quicker referrals to specialized care centers. This initiative ensures that children receive faster, critical care, significantly improving survival rates across Brazil. Learn more about the program at https://institutoronald.org.br/home/diagnostico-precoce/

Join us in celebrating Mathias and his mom as they head back home! 🎉 While Mathias received treatment at a nearby hospital, his family found strength and support at RMHC. For 166 nights, Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton provided them with physical and emotional support so they could focus on the health of Mathias. 💙

Thank you to Cambridge Investment Research of Fairfield, IA for preparing casseroles for our families! Everything looks delicious!

Casserole Club is a great option for folks who can't prepare a meal in the evening.

https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/prepare-a-meal/

If you've followed us for awhile, you probably remember Landry of Landry's Special Heart. He has rallied others to support Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois in more ways than one, recently raising over $500 at a farmers market booth! Landry's Special Heart teamed up with Dawson Strong to prepare dinner for the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you all SO much!

You can be like Landry & Dawson by supporting families when they need it most.
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/

.eiwi

The University of Iowa and University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital are thankful for its partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois.

"The care, consideration, kindness, and aroha (love) that RMHC showed my whānau (family) will be something I treasure forever."

When three-year-old Nia needed medical care, the Quinn family traveled a considerable distance from their home for her to receive high-level care. Thankfully, Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand provided the strength and care they needed to best support Nia on her healthcare journey. 💙

Sue Thompson has been saving pop tabs for 3 years. She collects pull tabs from the residents at her care center. She has collected 29.41 pounds!! Way to go, Sue!

Learn more about how pull tabs support RMHC here:
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/pull-tab-program/

🍟❤️

You can get FREE FRIES this Saturday, July 13, for National Fry Day when you order in our app! No purchase necessary. Plus, one penny from every pound will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois!

📣 Announcement!!📣 We are super excited to share Izzie Birker and Sir-loin will be partnering with the Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and showing in the Govenors Charity Steer Show! We so happy to partner with such a worthy organization and raise money for Ronald McDonald houses of Iowa!

The McFadden family of Farley went home after 30 days at the Ronald McDonald House. Congratulations to this sweet family!

You can support families like the McFadden's. Donate today at https://rmhc-eiwi.org/

Check this out! Yummy pizza that benefits RMHC-EIWI!! 🍕🥤

new month, new slice babyyyy! this month's slice of the pie proceeds are going to .eiwi — we all love a good cause like the Ronald McDonald House. come through for a Ron's Mac za and part of your $$$ will go to helping children and their families through difficult medical experiences. Ron's Mac features macaroni with a garlic herb butter base🤤

Elery of Williamsburg collected donations to benefit RMHC-EIWI for her 4H project. They collected over 250 pounds of pull tabs and an incredible amount of household and food items. Amazing! Thank you, Elery!!

ETA: Elery received an Award of Excellence Ribbon on her community service project and will be going to the Iowa State Fair! Congrats Elery!

.eiwi

This spring St. Andrew Presbyterian Church & 25Live Children hosted a walk-a-thon benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois. Last Sunday they presented us with a generous check. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed!

Our 4th of July cookout with Chef Rob! It was as American as apple pie.

You could cook with Chef Rob too! Sign up for a Chef Led experience at
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/prepare-a-meal/

Did you know that over 281,000 volunteers dedicate their time and talents to support RMHC families around the globe? 🌎 That's countless hours of baking, playing, teaching, and so much more, all to ensure that families feel comfortable and cared for throughout their child's healthcare journey. 💙 Find your local RMHC Chapter at https://rmhc.org/get-involved/how-to-help/volunteer

📸: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle

When their baby was rushed to the PICU, Kayla and Ben didn't even have time to pack a bag. The Ronald McDonald Family Room provided the essentials for the worried parents, just steps from their sons hospital room.

Read the full story here:
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/who-we-are/love-notes/

Support families in their time of need. Donate to RMHC-EIWI today.
https://rmhc-eiwi.org/donate/

This week our priority needs revolve around coffee.
-K-cups
-Sugar packets
-Individual creamer cups

We are also still in need of:
-Toilet cleaner
-Disinfectant wipes
-Liquid hand soap

https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/wishlists/

.eiwi

This week our priority needs revolve around coffee.
-K-cups
-Sugar packets
-Individual creamer cups

We are also still in need of:
-Toilet cleaner
-Disinfectant wipes
-Liquid hand soap

https://rmhc-eiwi.org/get-involved/wishlists/

Welcome to the new Ronald McDonald House in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan! 🇹🇼 With 20 sleeping rooms, RMHC Taiwan (麥當勞叔叔之家慈善基金會) will provide 7,300 nights of accommodation annually for families with children receiving medical treatment nearby.

Built with playrooms, lounge areas, and a large kitchen, families who turn to RMHC for support will enjoy all the comforts of home throughout their child's healthcare journey. 💙

Young entrepreneurs Tucker, Lena & Edison donated $105 they earned from a snack & juice sale!! Thanks so much Hall kids. You are amazing!

Congratulations to the Godinez family! They are going home after 44 days at the Ronald McDonald House.

Support families when they need it most.
www.rmhc-eiwi.org