Ronald McDonald House of Delaware celebrates 25th anniversary
This year marks the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware’s 25th anniversary of keeping families close to the care their sick children need, and to each other. To celebrate this occasion, a reception was hosted by Lessard Builders in Lewes June 2. Rep. Steve Smyk and Sen. Ernie Lopez presented the organization with a proclamation from the State of Delaware House of Representatives, recognizing its 25 years of service to families in the State of Delaware and surrounding region.
Every year, approximately 600 families from Sussex County Delaware stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware while their seriously or chronically ill or injured children receive medical care at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children or Christiana Hospital. Families are provided with a private guestroom with an attached bathroom, meals, transportation to and from the hospital, and additional support services, all things that are critical to families when far away from their support networks. More importantly, families are provided with a safe, comfortable and affordable place to stay that is very close to their child’s hospital and the ability to be amongst other families in similar situations.
There is no charge for families to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware. A $15 contribution per night is requested, but is not required, and is often reduced or waived. No family is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.
The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware serves as a home away from home for families who have a child receiving specialized medical care at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children or Christiana Hospital. The house provides a safe and affordable guestroom in a convenient location that makes it easier for families to stay together while their ill or injured child is receiving medical treatment.
On hand were Steve Smyk; Paul Kempinski, Ronald McDonald House of Delaware board chair and president of Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children; Pam Cornforth, Ronald McDonald House of Delaware president and CEO; and Ernesto Lopez.
