Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

At our Houses, we know that a wagging tail and a furry friend can make all the difference. Pet therapy brings comfort, smiles, and a sense of calm to our guest families during challenging times. These loving pups provide a special kind of care that words can't always express, helping to ease stress and bring a bit of joy to each day.

Let's celebrate the amazing dogs that make our Houses feel even more like home! 🐶💛

Meet Cathy and Kevin Soteropoulos, a couple whose journey to parenthood was filled with challenges, love, and resilience. From navigating high-risk pregnancy complications to the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU, their story is one of unwavering strength.

🎥 Want to hear their full story? Head over to our YouTube channel and watch as they share their incredible journey and the role Ronald McDonald House played in supporting them through it all.

🔗 https://youtu.be/047QGSjBIsk

Our Weekend Managers had a blast during our Summer Enrichment Day! The team took on a fun and challenging "Unlock the Mystery" 🔍 team-building activity, fueling their problem-solving skills and teamwork. The day was also filled with speakers, valuable training sessions, and, of course, plenty of delicious food to keep everyone energized. We're so grateful for this dedicated team who ensures our Houses run smoothly every weekend, providing comfort and care to our families when they need it most. 💪❤️

We had an incredible time at MMy Central Florida Family .comExpo connecting with so many wonderful families in our community! A huge thank you to our amazing Volunteer Ambassadors who helped share our mission and spread the word about the impact we make every day. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and we couldn't do it without you. ❤️

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us! Visit the link in bio to learn how you can get involved and help keep families close when they need it most.

🃏✨ Roll the dice for a night of fun and philanthropy at Bubbles and Blackjack on October 26th at the beautiful Dr. Phillips House! We're bringing you the same great event you know and love, but with a fresh new look. 🍾♠️

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to join us for an evening of champagne, blackjack, and making a difference. Secure your spot today and help us keep families close! https://www.rmhccf.org/events/bubbles!

This , we invite you to be a beacon of hope for families facing one of the toughest challenges imaginable—a child’s serious illness. At Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida, we provide a loving home-away-from-home where families can stay close to their children receiving life-saving medical care.

But we can't do it alone. Your donation today can provide more than just a place to stay—it can offer warmth, comfort, and peace of mind during a family's darkest hours. Every dollar you give brings us closer to ensuring no family has to face their child's illness alone. Click the link to donate now! https://tinyurl.com/3y2nu65k

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. 🎉💙

The stage is set, and the spotlight is waiting for YOU at the Block's Rising Star Talent Competition during our Block Party for the Houses event on October 2 at Boxi Park Lake Nona! This is your moment to shine, raise funds for families with children facing medical challenges, and compete for an incredible grand prize!

🌟 What's up for grabs?

A performance on the K92.3 Stanley Steemer Sound Stage! 🎙️
An exclusive tour of the 5 CMG studios! 🎧
A swag bag filled with amazing goodies! 🎁

Whether you're a rising star or just love to sing, this is your chance to take the stage, make an impact, and have a blast! Don't miss out—CLICK https://www.rmhccf.org/the-blocks-rising-star-talent-competition & SIGN UP NOW! Let your voice make a difference! 🎶

Legacy giving is more than just a donation—it's a profound way to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that families facing medical challenges have the support, comfort, and care they need for generations to come. When you include Ronald McDonald House Charities® in your will, you’re not just making a financial gift—you’re giving families a home away from home during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

This Month, we encourage you to consider joining the Lou Ann Devoogd Society, a special community of caring individuals who are committed to making a difference that endures. Your legacy can provide a safe, loving space where families can stay close to their children when they need it most. Imagine the peace of mind you can offer to parents who need to focus on their child’s health and well-being, knowing they have a place to stay, meals to eat, and a support system that cares.

By planning your legacy with us, you ensure that our mission to keep families close continues long into the future. We invite you to learn more about how you can be a part of this vital work and help us build a legacy of love and care. 💕

Learn more at https://www.rmhccf.org/donate and make a lasting impact.

So far in 2024, 1,261 families have found a home away from home with us. ❤️ Each of these families has been able to stay close to their child, receive the care they need, and find comfort in our Houses during challenging times.

We’re honored to be a place of support and love for so many families this year. Thank you to everyone who makes our mission possible—together, we’re keeping families close when it matters most.

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

Meet Ethan, a brave little boy whose journey has been anything but easy.

What his parents initially thought was colic turned out to be much more. At 14 months, they received the diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE), bringing both devastation and relief.

Ethan's Mom reflects on their journey, stating, "Due to the delayed diagnosis, Ethan missed critical eating milestones, never learning to chew food. Now, through the therapy program, he is making progress toward eating like a normal kiddo!" The journey has been long and arduous, but the support from RMHCCF has been unwavering.

We are incredibly grateful to the Ronald McDonald House® for being there for us every step of the way. Ethan’s journey is far from over, but with the help of RMHCCF, we have hope for a healthier future for our little boy.

Comfort is a cornerstone of our family-centered care approach. We believe that a restful, supportive environment helps families be at their best as they face medical challenges with their children.

When families feel well-rested and cared for, they can fully focus on their child's needs, knowing that their own well-being is taken care of. Thank you for helping us create a home away from home where comfort and care are our top priorities. ❤️🏠 Want to help us continue to provide comfort to our families? Donate today by visiting the link in our bio!

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 💙

We 💙 Joan! Joan is one of our dedicated In-House Volunteers at RMH on the campus of Orlando Health! She goes above and beyond, often stepping in to buy dinner for the House when there's no Share-A-Meal or if a group cancels last minute. Her special touch? Joan loves to decorate our common areas for special occasions, bringing joy and a festive spirit to our families. Check out her most recent summer touch, a paper aquarium! Add to our paper aquarium by commenting a 🐠🐟🐡! We can't wait to see our aquarium grow!

Joan’s dedication and kindness make a huge difference in the lives of our guest families. Want to learn more about becoming an in-house volunteer like Joan? Sign up for a meet and greet and discover how you can make a meaningful impact!

Head to https://tinyurl.com/2p8ahj8m to learn more!

Imagine arriving at a new place with nothing but the bare essentials, facing the unknown and the stress of having a ill child. This is the reality for many families who come to our Houses. You can bring them comfort and a sense of home by donating snack packs.

These simple, heartfelt gifts can make a world of difference, providing a much-needed boost during incredibly challenging times. Show these families that someone cares by donating snack packs filled with love and comfort.

Please assemble your snack packs and donate them directly to our Houses. Your generosity will touch the hearts of families who need it most.

Every snack pack tells a family, "You are not alone." Thank you for your kindness and compassion!

At Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida, our mission is to keep families close during their child’s medical journey. We believe that togetherness is a powerful source of strength and comfort. 🏠✨

Experience firsthand how we support families by joining a Keeping Families Close Tour. See the difference we make and discover how you can be part of our community of care.

Let's continue to create a home away from home for families with a child facing medical challenges.

🗓️ Sign up for a tour: https://www.rmhccf.org/keeping-families-close-tours

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. 💙

In honor of , we want to remind you that we offer complimentary family photoshoots year-round. Our mission is to provide comfort and support to families facing medical challenges, and these photoshoots are a heartfelt way to help you capture and cherish precious moments with your loved ones.

To book your session and find available dates, email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you create beautiful memories and add a touch of joy to your time with us.

Make a Difference with Every Meal! 🍟

Next time you visit McDonald's, consider rounding up your total to support your local Ronald McDonald House Charities®. Your spare change helps provide comfort and support for families facing medical challenges.

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’re thrilled to share that Florida was one of five finalists for the prestigious RMHC Enhance Collaboration Award at the recent Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) International Conference! 🎉🏆 A huge shoutout to Lisa, the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Inc. who proudly represented our state and showcased the incredible collaborative efforts that make our work so impactful.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our entire RMHC family across Florida. Thank you for all that you do to support our mission and the families we serve. Together, we’re making a difference!

This week, our biggest need is ziplock bags of any size. These are essential for packaging baked goods, storing leftover ingredients, and so much more. Your donations help us keep our kitchen organized and efficient, ensuring we can continue to provide comfort and care for our families.

We are also in need of toilet paper, laundry pods, and K-Cups. Every contribution makes a big difference!

🛒 Visit our Amazon Wishlist at https://tinyurl.com/2uawt4ha and help us stock up on these crucial items!

“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. 💙

Who says we have to wait for December to spread holiday cheer? 🎄✨ Holidays in July brought a magical surprise to our Houses on the campuses of Orlando Health and AdventHealth! Mr. and Mrs. Claus stopped by to spread some holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories for our families. ❤️ Seeing the joy on everyone's faces reminded us of the true spirit of giving and community.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of families? We’re looking for an Assistant House Manager to help oversee the general operations, family services, and programs at Ronald McDonald House®. This vital role is directly involved in delivering our mission of offering comfort and care to every person who walks through our doors—guest families, volunteers, and donors alike.

If you’re dedicated, compassionate, and ready to be part of something truly impactful, we’d love to hear from you! Head to rmhccf.org/careers

We were thrilled to join over 300 chapters from 60 different countries for three days of inspiring sessions and learning at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) International Conference in Chicago! The exchange of ideas, knowledge, and best practices was truly invaluable.

We’re excited to bring back new insights and continue improving our support for families in need. Together, we’re strengthening our global mission of providing comfort and care to families facing medical challenges.

As “The House That Love Built,” Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida believes in the power of kindness and the impact it has on our families. Today, we celebrate love in its purest form—kindness. Through your generous support and compassion we continue to provide a home away from home for families facing medical challenges.

Drop a � in the comments to show our families with children facing medical challenges some kindness!

🌟 Welcome to the Handprint Wall, Brantley Family! 🌟 After staying with us for 56 nights, their handprint will forever be a cherished reminder of their time here and the support we provided. 🖐️💖

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!

Your kindness and generosity bring comfort and joy to our Houses! Thank you for the delicious meal 🥘!

Sign up today! https://rmhccf.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/shareameal

Our incredible board member Jamie Poulos saw the need for Share-A-Meal groups and stepped up with his three boys to fill the gap. They served a delicious dinner at our AdventHealth House, bringing smiles and comfort to our families. 🍽️💖

There is still a massive need for Share-A-Meal groups in August, and we need your help! Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and sign up to make a difference in the lives of those staying with us.

Sign up today and help us fill the need https://rmhccf.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/shareameal!

We were honored to welcome the Jason Beaird Memorial Foundation as they visited Nemours to see their incredible hospitality cart in action! The cart offers a variety of items such as beverages, hygiene products, books, fun activities, and snacks for parents and children. It also provides essential information about our Houses and the many opportunities available to families. 💖🛒📚

Your donations can help us keep the hospitality cart stocked and continue to support families during their hospital stays. Please consider donating items to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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. 💙

"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. 💙