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"Supporting children and families in their time of need."
The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston provides a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children. The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston began as a 12-bedroom house in 1983 where families stay while their children are being treated at nearby hospitals. In November 2006 we opened our new addition. Now we can serve up to 25 families each night. The Ronald McDonald House eliminates the financial burden of costly hotels and provides a home-like atmosphere where families can lead a life as normal as possible during their time of need. 90% of our families have children in intensive care units. Over half of our families return for a second treatment or surgery. While the majority of the families we serve are from South Carolina, we have served families from all 50 states and 12 foreign countries. 40% of our families have children undergoing open heart surgery and another 36% have babies in neonatal intensive care.
  The Ronald McDonald Family Room at MUSC provides a safe haven for families whose children are hospitalized. It is a quiet place to spend a few relaxing moments. Here, families can rest, shower, send emails home, and grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. Volunteers provide the hospitality that gives this room a special home-like place.
Many thanks to The Stewart Foundation - Meg, Ken, Brett and Chris Barnes and all the donors and volunteers that make this room possible.
RMHC Grants and Matching Grant Programs. The RMHC grant program supports related programs that improve the health and enhance the lives of children. The matching grant program from Global RMHC increases our ability to have an impact on the community. Roper St. Francis Womens, Infants and Childrens Services and Ronald McDonald House Charities have introduced Kids Spot, a special waiting area for pediatric patients. More than 500 children come to Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital for medical services in the Ambulatory Surgery Department each year. Waiting for these services can be unnerving for anyone, especially the youngest patients.
Thanks to a Ronald McDonald House Charities grant, the hospital is opening a special area designated just for kids. KidsSpot offers a variety of games and puzzles to serve as a positive distraction, calm fears and reduce stress before surgery. Smaller "kid-size" furniture and colorful artwork make the setting even more inviting and less intimidating.
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