Case studies

It started with one child

It was 1969. Kim Hill was 3-years old, battling leukemia. Doctors said she most likely wouldn’t recover. Frightened, her parents, Fred and Fran, vigilantly stayed at her bedside. They slept in a chair in her room. They grabbed whatever food they could. They tried to hide their worry, sadness and fatigue. They mustered up every last ounce of strength they had and gave it to their daughter.

To everyone’s surprise, their strong little girl beat the odds.

Inspired by their struggle, Fred and Fran set about to help other families. They knew they could have given Kim more of themselves if they had a place to sleep close by, a home-cooked meal, a friend to talk to, and people to help them worry less.

In 1974, they worked to bring together a doctor, the Philadelphia Eagles, McDonald’s and an entire community to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. It was a place of strength so families could give 100% of themselves to their child. Demand was so great, with supporters so passionate, that it was an idea that has been replicated more than 300 times to date, with plans to keep on growing.

In March 2011, Kim Hill passed away at the age of 45. Unfortunately, Kim’s story is echoed by millions of children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and the families that struggle to support them. Because of Kim and your continued support, they are not alone. 

“At the time I didn’t enjoy being sick. But I’m glad I did get sick, because through my suffering, a great thing has come from it.” Kim Hill, 1983