Ronald McDonald House serves hundreds of Sussex families each year

7 July 2015 • The waning side of July's full moon

Laura Marek stopped by today.  We talked about attitude and posture for a while. Steinbeck said those are two qualities that have to be cultivated throughout life.

Zippity Doo Dah - Stand Up Straight.

But that's not why Laura stopped by. She works for Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, part of an organization that provides affordable, compassionate and comfortable lodging for folks who want to be near their children during hospital stays.  In Delaware, the Ronald McDonald House on Rockland Road serves families with children being treated at the A.I. duPont hospital for children across the street. The house provides rooms, meals, a homey atmosphere for those whose fears and stress can be relieved by a nurturing atmosphere. In all, the facility includes 50 guest rooms and runs at about a 90 percenet occupancy rate.  Though there is no charge, there is a suggested donation of $15.  Most of the families using the house are low income.  Some can afford nothing.  The average donation is about $4.70 per family per night.

"We serve about 2,500 families per year," Laura said.  "Of those, 26 percent are from Sussex County.  That is by far the most usage in Delaware.  Our requirement is that families, to qualify, must live at least 25 miles away. So, less than one percent come from New Castle County and nine percent from Kent.  The rest come from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and even 1 percent international."

The first Ronald McDonald house opened in Philadelphia, near the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), in 1974.  Now there are 350 across the U.S. and internationally.

Operations depend on donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to make up the funding gap.

To further that cause, said Laura, Ronald McDonald House of Delaware will host its fourth annual 5K Run/Walk For The House at Irish Eyes in Lewes on Saturday, Sept. 19 with pre-registration starting at 8 a.m. and the event starting at 9. This year's event will also feature a Kiddie K race with Ronald McDonald which will start at 8:45 a.m.

To get more information about the Ronald McDonald House or the Sept. 19 event contact Laura at 302-521-6540 or email her at Lmarek@rmhde.org.