The reality of having a hospitalized child can be one of the most stressful experiences a family can endure. Add to that the challenge of being far from home, in a foreign environment, and stress can mount even more. What we are able to provide at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House is a bit of stability in the midst of challenging circumstances. Families can stay together only steps away from their hospitalized child who needs them near. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, and extended family can call the House their home-away-from-home for as long as their child is receiving treatment at the hospital.
Open 365 days a year, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House offers comfortable bedrooms with private baths, fully-equipped kitchens with dining areas, play rooms, laundry facilities, a meditation room, exercise room and informal gathering areas. The House also features isolated continuing care suites for a child’s chemotherapy or post-transplant care. Almost every night, a home cooked meal is provided by a generous community group to help relieve stress for our guests. Additional free services like massages, hair cuts, and other stress relieving activities are available on a semi-regular basis, all provided by generous donors from the community. While a small donation is requested for our guests, no family is ever turned away from the “House with a Heart.”
The Columbus Ronald McDonald House is owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Family stays are based on referrals from the hospital. The House operation relies on volunteers and donations received from the private sector, groups and individuals. Monetary donations, in addition to in-kind goods and services, are needed for general operations.
Warm nutritious meals prepared by our professional chef
Private bedrooms with comfortable Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Free personal care products, toiletry kits and snack packs
Laundry facilities (with all products/detergent needed provided)
A welcoming support system for families to lean on
Gathering areas (Fitness center, library, computer access, etc.)
