Ronald McDonald House of Memphis

Wow what a place. Our daughters classmate is in a trial at St Jude, and she and her family are currently staying here. We had the opportunity to visit this wonderful facility and spend some time with them. The fact that this place exists for families to stay free of charge is nothing short of amazing. The outside space is a large gated area, with plenty of green space, with a playground, basketball court, and patios. The inside is wonderful. There are over 50 apartment style rooms, with a large shared kitchen space on the main floor. The interior is very inviting and cozy, with plenty of lounge areas with TVs, and kids activities, game rooms, meditation rooms, etc. It is very kid centric, with tons of decorations befitting childhood imagination. There is a cafeteria style dining area, and rows of ‘kitchens’, industrial refrigerators, private pantries, and a communal pantry filled with donated food, for the families to share. Simply put, this place provides a home away from home for families, it is one less thing for them to worry about, and a great community for families going through similar major illnesses with their child.

This has been a huge blessing for me and my son. It was devestating getting news that my son has cancer. More devastating knowing we would have to travel hundreds of miles away to be treated. Away from family and friends. Being a single mom it is ever harder to not be able to have income. So because of donations from people all over the USA Ronald McDonald can provide these types of facilities. Volunteers come by to donate supplies. Churches and other groups come to cook meals for us and provide games a few times a week.
That is a huge blessing.
We have a beautiful room that feels like a home than a hotel room. We have everything we need. The staff is so kind and helpful. Our stay here has been wonderful.
We have our areas dedicated to our section. Sometimes people don’t have the respect to clean after themselves but you have to suck it up and move on. After being here over a month we finally met someone to hang out with. It’s not because we are not social but we have so many appointments at St. Jude that we start as early as 0700 and are sometimes done by 1800. Once you do meet someone it is wonderful. If anyone is ever wanting to donate this is the place to do it. Even if it’s a few rolls of toilet paper or your time. It’s always appreciated.

Oh my goodness, I love this non-​profit! It is so near and dear to my heart.
Their mission is to fight cancer and the Memphis chapter is a «home-​away-​from-​home» for St. Jude’s patients and their families… at no cost to them! Families stay completely free of charge.
A little bit of background (since y’all know I love history and facts!) The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis been open since 1991 and they have had more than 7,100 families stay with them. Families stay at the house anywhere from 7 days to 3 months (the average stay is 30 days).
There are currently 1,000 active volunteers who support the house but they are always looking for more… trust me, volunteering there will change you for the better! And they also need items donated. Did you know they go through 145 rolls of paper towels a week?! And 400 pounds of laundry detergent a month?!
Definitely a wonderful cause! And if you’re looking for a place to volunteer or get involved, I hope you consider them!