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If you’ve ever wondered how families cope with long hours at the hospital, then you’ve had the same concern that Ronald McDonald House® (RMHC) and Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) did before they created the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. For 15 years, the Family Room has been situated near the hematology and oncology wing of the CNMC.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a comfortable homey space for parents and caregivers who are far from their own homes and need a quiet haven away from the busy hospital. Open 24 hours a day, families can slip in for a few moments of respite, while still being mere steps away from their child. The first visitor of the day is often a tired parent, seeking the comfort of a steaming fresh cup of coffee to help make it through another long and stressful day. Then a mother or father who needs to call the office and quickly check emails before getting back to his or her child. A grandmother, grandfather, aunt or uncle might come in for a break, to sit and read or watch television.

The Family Room is equipped with two refrigerators, storage cabinets, a microwave, a coffee pot, two computers, a printer, a television, couches, tables, chairs, and lamps.

A volunteer from the D.C. Ronald McDonald House will frequently stop by to drop off snack bags and fresh baked cookies – a reminder for the families that they are in RMHC’s thoughts. Hospital staff stops in to leave brochures about support groups or to leave crayons and coloring books that can be taken back to the rooms. Long into the night parents and other caregivers come in to think, talk, refresh and regroup.

Thanks to RMHC and Children’s National Medical Center, the Family Room is a special space that permits parents and other caregivers a feeling of  calm in the midst of what can be a chaotic hospital  environment.

Dear RMHC Friends,
 
For 15 years my space has brought comfort to families facing challenging times. Morning visitors are often tired parents in need of fresh coffee as they anxiously wait for their son or daughter’s treatment to end. Afternoons are full of moms and dads making calls or emailing the office before rushing back to their child’s bedside. Families can be found in the evenings enjoying fresh baked cookies dropped off by RMHC volunteers.
 
Thanks to Childrens National Medical Center, RMHC and its donors, I am a 24-hour haven with the amenities and heart of a home.
 
Love,
RMH Family Room