The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston celebrates 32nd anniversary of keeping families close

CHARLESTON, SC – The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston (RMHCC) was built 32 years ago as a home away from home for families of seriously ill children who must travel to Charleston for medical treatment.  What started as a 12 bedroom house has grown into 32 bedrooms, 12 of which are for children who have received transplants.  The House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. This home offers families comfortable beds, hot meals, and even a four legged furry friend, Gardy, all just steps from the hospital. It is through the communities support, that they are able to continue to help these families during their darkest times.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities empowers families by providing stability and vital resources so they can get and keep their child happy and healthy. By keeping families together, RMHC helps children heal faster and cope better.

Last year, the Ronald McDonald House was able to support 798 families in need. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, they turned away, on average, 8 families every night. To help with that problem, they just recently finished a 5 bedroom expansion! Over the past 32 years, the Ronald McDonald House has been a home to over 50,000 moms, dads, brothers and sisters.

Along with celebrating the House’s 32^nd Anniversary, they are also celebrating the 11^th Anniversary of their family room. The Ronald McDonald House Family Room at MUSC provides a sanctuary within the walls of the hospital where family members can rest, read, shower or have a cup of coffee while still being only minutes away from their seriously ill child.

To find how you can be involved, please visit www.RMHCharleston.org. The House is hosting their 2^nd annual Red Shoe Walk in Hampton Park on October 24^th, 2015. The money raised will go towards the recent expansion of adding 5 bedrooms and bathrooms as well as renovating the kitchen.  Please visit www.RedShoeWalk.com to sign up!