In 1978, the Ronald McDonald House of New York opened our doors to families with children undergoing cancer therapy in New York City. Families come to stay at the House after their child is diagnosed with cancer and is sent to a New York City medical center for last resort treatment. Each family is referred to the House through a hospital social worker, on the basis of need. Since first opening, the Ronald McDonald has been a "home away from home" for nearly 25,000 families dealing with pediatric cancer. Without the Ronald McDonald House, many of these families would not have been able to afford to stay in New York City so that their child could receive cancer treatment. We are delighted to report that 85% of the children who have come to stay at the House over the years have survived their illness and gone on to lead normal, healthy lives

The Ronald McDonald House of New York offers the largest pediatric oncology facility of its kind in the world, housed in an eleven-story, 79,000 square foot building located on the upper east side of Manhattan. The House is able to accommodate 83 families at one time and is in close proximity to the City's renowned cancer treatment centers. Over the past 25 years, RMH has provided a compassionate and caring "home away from home". In 2003, RMH provided accommodations for over 2,500 children and families.

The Ronald McDonald House of New York maintains an independent Board of Directors, which establishes programs and policies based on the needs of the children and families it serves. In addition, there are approximately 100 volunteers who work in different capacities within the House. Many of our volunteers are fluent in foreign languages such as Russian, Korean, Spanish, and Greek, a vital resource for our international guests, who often have a difficult time communicating in English.

The volunteers come from all walks of life, and are of great assistance to the families as they go through a difficult time. Furthermore, McDonald's owner/operators throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut contribute nearly one-third of the House's annual budget. Since each Ronald McDonald House in the United States and Canada is independently operated, the remaining two-thirds of the budget is underwritten with generous contributions from foundations, corporations and individuals. The unique linkage among the Board, local McDonald's owner/operators, and private sector donors makes the Ronald McDonald House a true community service project.