"There's nothing more moving to anybody than watching a child who's sick. Having an organization that just cares for families and gives them an option, a place to call home, is a terrific opportunity."

Kevin Plank
President - Under Armour Inc.,
Honorary Member
RMHC Board of Directors

"If you had told me in late October of 2010 that our entire family would be participating in a 5K to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, I would have tearfully told you that you were crazy. If you had told me that Abby would walk across the finish line holding my hand, I probably would have had you committed! But we did, and she did! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!! "

Julie Leach
mother and member of
Red Shoe Shuffle Team Joy

I wanted to just let you know how much Briele and I appreciate this “Home” and your staff as well as the volunteers and other family. This stay at the RMH makes it possible for us and other families to get thru some difficult times with some smiles and laughs along the way. I am sure you know this, but your entire staff is wonderful here and very dedicated to what they do. This is a special place because of the special people.

Marna Dahan and Briele (Age 12)

The impact that your house has had on my family is more than I can say - you make us better people – better parents – happier all around – you will never know the gratitude we have because I just don’t know how to thank you enough! So we’ll just say thank you & we love you! Our children don’t want to leave!.

Kiva & Dean Ferrerio children Mia, Olivia (twins age 6) and Vincent Ferrerio Age 3 All three children had surgery

Thank you so much for letting my family and me stay there. I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed meeting other people, and how we all come together to eat, and lots more things. Thank you so much for these wonderful, beautiful cards. I hope that when I come back later in the year that I can stay there.

Michael, Marisela and Hannah Madeline Saenz (Age 11)

"Usually they’re desperate cases when they arrive at our Ronald McDonald House. And, it’s hard to address it because you know that most of these kids are not going to have a long time in their life. There’s nothing you can do to change that outcome, all you can do is to take that last piece of their journey and make it a happy one. So that’s how we look at it, we try to give them a family environment and a good home to live in."

Bill Paterakis
President - Northeast Foods,
Chairman of RMHC Board of Directors

"I think if we ever want to address issues of world peace or terrorism, I think you ought to have RMH’s all over the country where people come at times of crisis and need and they experience all of America’s generosity, compassion, and empathy."

Joe Ehrmann
Founder - Building Men/Women for Others
RMHC Board of Directors

"I value the work of the Ronald McDonald House. The professionalism, compassion and support of the staff help our families cope with the stress of a sick child."

Dorcas Lyons
Head of Social Work
Pediatrics - Johns Hopkins Hospital

"Heard from one of our many families who have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House: "This place is better than home. ALL my friends live here too!” Marilyn: “Often, children undergoing extensive medical treatment feel isolated, alone, "different.” For a child to feel such comfort and support is indeed a blessing not only to them, but also to their entire family and the Rubin Institute of Advanced Orthopedics team."

Marilyn Richardson
Family Coordinator - Sinai Hospital

I’m not sure if you will remember me and my family, but I thought I would give you an update on how things are going. My son Taylor has cerebral palsy and spent a month with you while he took part in the constraint therapy at Kennedy Krieger. My dad, Frank Welker, came up to Baltimore to stay at RMH for a week (we were all rotating weeks) with Taylor, but Dad had a stroke on the Sunday after he arrived. You were so helpful that day! I don’t know what we would have done without you. Taylor is doing very well. His golf game continues to improve and he’s making straight A’s in school. He’s not as diligent about his therapy for his hand/arm as I would like, but I think that’s part of being 14. As long as he’s happy, then we are happy. Anyway, please let everyone know that we saod hello. Thanks so much for the wonderful care that you all give to everyone. Because of the volunteers there, our youth group here is volunteering to serve at the RMH in Winston-Salem, NC.

Katherine, Al &
Taylor Wilkerson (Age 14)

Thank you so much for opening your heart and house up to us in such a time of need. Having all the comforts of home nearby when your child needs medical care is such a blessing! We will be making frequent trips here for many years to come and to know that you’re here makes life so much easier. Thank you all for your hospitality!

Shanda Emond (mom)
Dylan Harrison - 10 1/2 years old
Marlyn Kelehear (grandmother)

Alex and I would like to express our thanks and appreciation for your support the last six months. The last three months Alex has continued his therapy and worked on his school work in a loving environment. The staff has touched our lives and we will always be grateful to everyone who works and supports this home. Thank you for your friendship, compassion and encouraging words.

Serena Henderson
& Alex Curtis (Age 16)

Thank you very much for helping my wife Kim and I to stay this weekend! It was so wonderful to see our son and his smiling face. See you again soon.

Frank and Kim Nicolazzo and Alexander Nicolazzo – Age 10

Thank you for opening your house to my family. It has been an emotional journey for me & my family and its been comforting to know there is a meal waiting for me after a long day at the hospital, a nice soft towel to dry off with, and friends to share with. I plan to pay your kindness & generosity forward.

The Elliott Family

Thank you so much for all your support. What a wonderful place! Britney is walking now! We made friends that we will hold dear for a lifetime and learned that there is always hope, courage & integrity if we seek it. God bless you all.

Lallie Bridges and
Britney Chambers – Age 21

Thank you for making our family feel so welcomed at our home away from home here. We truly appreciate being able to stay here. The house is beautiful & very comfortable. We missed Iowa & our home but you all made our stay in Baltimore wonderful. We loved all your smiles & the way you always said hello to both our children. We especially appreciate the extra effort you made for Jack to sleep better & to allow him to vacuum the conference room!

Chris, Julie, Jack & Savannah Patient Jackson Lohr 3 years old

The only regret staying at Ronald McDonald House was my inability to tell each of you good-bye and thank you. You cannot buy compassion, kindness, concern or feelings of contentment. However, each of you in your own special and unique manner provided that to each of our family members. You made us a special part of your Ronald McDonald House family. We will never be able to thank you enough for everything you did during our four month stay with you. All of you are angels and we love you. Many thanks.

Marie Williamson (grandmother) Paige Williamson (7 months old)

Our family spent a good part of the end of 2009 & beginning of 2010 with you while James McCarty (age 1) had 2 heart surgeries and other complications at UMD hospital. We are now in CA at the RMH Stanford where James has undergone a successful third heart surgery. We have always wanted to send you guys a thank you letter and come do a dinner there but our lives continue to be so crazy that we haven’t been able to. But we wanted to let you know that we think of you all and the house in Baltimore often and fondly. We loved the the cozy charm and family-like community in Baltimore.

The McCarty, Beck
and Ebeling Families

Thank you for being such a great friend to me & Danny. We are truly going to miss you but are so grateful for everything you do. Please keep in contact & let us know how things are going! We will keep you posted on soccer and therapy. Hopefully, some day you will be in Ohio and can visit. Thank you so much for being the wonderful person you are!

Dana Thomas & Danny - 6 1/2 years old

As a family who has experienced the hospitalization of an infant, we realize how valuable every minute spent bedside can be. We were familiar with the concept of the Ronald McDonald house, but never fully appreciated their mission until visiting the Baltimore location. On numerous visits to the house we have seen the amazing results of the hard work of the entire staff. The value of time, hope, and support that they provide families everyday is immeasurable. We are honored to be part of the “Caring Partners” family and encourage anyone to come see the amazing work being done at RMH Baltimore.

The Gister Family