Leukemia & Football: The Philadelphia Origins of Ronald McDonald House Charities
A 48-year legacy to hang Fred Hill's helmet on.
The Dream Behind Ronald McDonald House Charities
When Fred Hill’s three-year-old daughter Kim was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia in 1969, his family’s world was understandably turned upside down. A tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Fred was the primary breadwinner in the home who maintained a busy work schedule during football season. Everything about the Hill family’s lives changed once Kim received her diagnosis, as doctors gave her only 6 months to live. Despite this, she endured 3 and a half years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in desperate attempts to rid the cancer from her young body. Even with her father’s cushy salary, the mounting costs and stress from these hospital visits ran high; so high that Fred Hill called immediate attention to the issue during his child’s second year of treatment.
In 1971, Hill and other Eagles players hosted a fashion show to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer treatment, concluding the event with $10,000 raised for the Leukemia Society of America. The following year saw a dramatic increase in both awareness and funds, acquiring a grand total of $125,000 donated toward the same organization. Together with Hill’s neighbor Stan Lane, the two formed Hill’s very own charity, Eagles Fly for Leukemia, with the same goal. As a direct result, Kim’s story became widespread; leading to contact between her father and pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who had dreams of implementing short-term lodging near the hospital to house patients and families during treatment periods.
To contribute toward Dr. Evan’s idea, Eagles general manager Jim Murray constructed an advertisement deal with quarterback Roman Gabriel and their local Philadelphia McDonald’s restaurant to promote Shamrock Shakes in exchange for 100% of the profits. The McDonald's Corporation readily agreed to these terms under one condition: that the housing being built for the families be named “Ronald McDonald House.” As such, the first Ronald McDonald House was established on October 15, 1974, on Spruce Street in Philadelphia thanks to the perseverance of Fred Hill, Jim Murray, Dr. Audrey Evans, and all others who extended gratuity during this time. The comfort brought to families nationwide is a remarkable feat that Fred Hill could’ve only dreamed of when he began fundraising for his daughter. Today there are 333 Ronald McDonald houses in 52 countries and 50 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles in 6 countries as a result of Fred’s unwavering commitment to his daughter, Kim. The cancer-fighting inspiration defied medical expectations and lived until she was 44, ultimately losing her battle with brain cancer in 2011. Her parents, Fred and Frances, remain committed to fostering the growth of the organization in Kim’s absence.
What is a Ronald McDonald House?
Ronald McDonald House Charities prides themselves on providing a home-away-from-home to patients and their families as they undergo various treatments at top hospitals. During these burdensome times, the organization works round-the-clock to ensure patients and families are granted some semblance of peace. Home-cooked meals, private bedrooms, educational enrollment, and recreational activities are amongst the incredible components offered to patient families at the modest cost of $25 per day, as RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities) strives to lessen the pre-existing financial burdens that plague their lives. If a family cannot afford the daily rate, they will not be turned away so long as there is a room available; anyone who lives 25 miles within the hospital and has children undergoing medical care is eligible for accommodation.
$25 doesn’t sound like very much. How does Ronald McDonald House remain operational?
You know those donation boxes displayed on every McDonald’s ordering counter? In the year 2012 alone, those silver metal boxes collected $50 million in donations toward this very cause. Imagine what putting $1 in that box each visit could do for this charity and for these families. If each McDonald’s location collected only 25 cents per day, the charity could then offer 38,000 overnight stays to families with sick children. Money donated by customers accounts for a large portion of RMHC’s success, proving that the kindness of strangers has the innate ability to change lives. Additionally, powerful business partners like Coca-Cola, Tempur Sealy International Inc, La-Z-Boy, Southwest Airlines, EcoLab, and Dorado Foods make significant financial contributions to the charity and have facilitated the additions of new programs, houses, food and drink options, sleeping rooms, and recreational areas.
How can I help?
As aforementioned, Ronald McDonald House greatly relies on McDonald’s customer donations, but this scope is much broader than just money. Many people are unaware of the Amazon Charity Lists that exist for these houses. Helping to fill the pantry via Amazon is one amazing way to assist in keeping these families fueled during tough days, but you may also purchase donation items in-store and contact the charity to schedule a drop-off time. To donate food/snacks from the Wish List to the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia, please click here. To make a financial donation in lieu of food donation, please click here. You may also browse from a list of RMHC charities in need by clicking here.
If you would prefer to donate your time, you may join the 136,000+ volunteers worldwide who dedicate their hours, skills, and hearts to serving these families every year- by cooking, cleaning, listening, and anything else they might need assistance with. If you have any interest in joining the volunteer program for a local RMHC, please click here for more information. There are also a number of RMHC events scheduled for late 2022 and early 2023!
RMHC Philadelphia Events for 2022
Champions of Hope Awards (September 22)
Fore! at the Shore (October 17)
CBS 3 Telethon (November 17)
Read for the House (February 2023)
Hit ‘Em for the House (TBD 2023)
RMHC Corporate and Fundraising Events for 2022
Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team RMHC (October 9)
This charity has worked relentlessly to give young cancer patients and their families deserved convenience, kindness, and relaxation. One football player’s good intentions paved the way for millions of families to indulge in assistance and comfort. With special thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles and McDonald’s corporation, RMHC has persisted forward in their mission to this day. Just another reason to love McDonald’s and the Birds!
Sources
“Ronald McDonald House Charities.” RMHC, https://rmhc.org/.
“Mission & History.” RMHC Philadelphia Region, 15 Apr. 2022, https://www.rmhcphilly.org/about-us/mission-history/.
“Corporate Sponsors of RMHC: RMHC.” Ronald McDonald House Charities, https://rmhc.org/about-us/our-partners.
Kayla Glossner, Fall 2013. “The Ronald McDonald House: A Home in Times of Need.” Ronald McDonald House, http://pabook2.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/RonaldMcDonaldHouse.html.