2024 Impact
- Familiies served from: 62 counties in GA, 5 states
- Total families served: 303, comprised of 595 individual family members
- Longest stay by a famiily: 132 nights
- $ saved by families: $1.07M+
- Volunteers: 193
- Volunteer Hours: 4,614
- Volunteer Service Value: $55,368
Impact Study
RMHC programs support families by providing stability and vital resources they need to focus on what's most important - their child.
The Ronald McDonald House program affords families opportunities to interact more meaningfully with their child's care team. The organization supports family-centered care by:
- Bridging access to top medical care for seriously ill children who must travel long distances;
- Providing families with emotional and physical comfort and support;
- Enhancing the child's and family's hospital experience;
- Improving the family's coping and cohesion, and the child's recovery and outcomes.
Published research underscores the role that RMHC plays in keeping families close during times of medical crises through its Ronald McDonald House Program.
- A strong majority of hospital administrators worldwide agreed that Ronald McDonald Houses play a significant and important role for families.
- Over 90% agreed that Ronald McDonald Houses reduced stress and costs to families.
- Accommodation needs are a significant stressor for families of critically ill children, particularly when they are traveling far distances. RMHC and the Ronald McDonald House program help alleviate some of this stress.
- Families attribute their ability to stay together to the Ronald McDonald House program and believe it significantly affects psychological well-being and their child's recovery.
- Caregivers who stay at a Ronald McDonald House report significantly higher levels of involvement in their child's care and more positive hospital experiences.
- Accommodations provided by the Ronald McDonald House program enhance pediatric patients' quality of life.
- Parents who sleep at a Ronald McDonald House enjoy greater sleep quality than those who stay at the pediatric bedside.
- RMHC helps improve family coping and resiliency during pediatric hospitalization.
The Patterson Family of Valdosta, Georgia holds a special place in our hearts. Caitlin and Armarius joined The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia community on July 21, 2024, after their newborn son, Malcom, was transferred to Children’s for treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe condition affecting his bowel. Born prematurely on July 9th, Malcom had already faced numerous challenges.
His journey here from Valdosta was filled with ups and downs, but through it all, Caitlin and Armarius remained steadfast.
Armarius had to balance work commitments while ensuring he was present whenever Caitlin or Malcom needed him. His dedication as a husband and father was remarkable, driving back and forth to be by their side. Caitlin’s strength shone through on a particularly tough day when, just before one of Malcom’s surgeries, her car was broken into. Despite this overwhelming situation, Caitlin stayed focused on her son, ensuring he received the care he needed.
One of the most touching parts of their story is the bond between Caitlin and Malcom. Even as a preemie, Malcom instantly calmed at the sound of his mother’s voice or the feel of her embrace. Caitlin shared how, even if he was fussy when she arrived at the NICU, he would relax and drift off to sleep in her arms—sometimes a blessing, sometimes a challenge when it came to feeding time!
After 60 days, the family celebrated a joyful milestone—taking Malcom home on September 20th. The Patterson family’s journey is a testament to love, perseverance, and the strength of a family through hardship. We are honored to have supported them and celebrate Malcom’s progress as he thrives at home.
