Not at all reminiscent of its namesake (no clown waving as you enter, no balloons being given out), the Ronald McDonald House of Albany is in two well-preserved, three-story Victorian houses that have been joined together at 139 South Lake Avenue, within short walking distance of the Albany hospital complex. They look something like "home" if you can imagine two such homes linked together. For Debbie Ross, the resident director, and her husband and three children, the Ronald McDonald House is indeed home. Debbie and her husband have lived there for 16 years, their children all their lives (their oldest is 14). The Rosses live on the third floor and in part of the attic. The lifelong "guests" in the house have been the parents and other family members of children, often critically ill, receiving medical treatment in the nearby Children's Hospital, the premature baby section of Albany Hospital, and other nearby facilities.
"We try to make it as much a home to everyone as possible," Debbie said by phone. There are 15 units of various sizes and arrangements. The living rooms feel like a home, too, furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs. Parents can use either of the two kitchens to make their own meals or late-night snacks or they can join the regularly served meals with whoever else happens to be there. " The house is usually about 90% full. No one is asked to pay, but if they do ask, Debbie suggests a donation of $8 a day.
"We think of it as an extension of our family. Two years ago, we had a family conference and asked our kids if they wanted to move to a separate home. They told us they thought it was sort of interesting living here and they'd just as soon stay. You meet so many different kinds of people." Since the Ronald McDonald House of Albany was opened, over 9.000 families besides the Rosses have lived here. "There was an Amish family here recently. There are people of all religious beliefs, rich and poor. My daughter has made friends with a girl her age who has cancer and has been back a number of times. Recently, her friend was able to climb the stairs for the first time to the third floor to visit and play some games with my daughter. It was a nice experience for both." Sharing burdens brings families together and some form lasting relationships. "Lots of families keep in touch over the years," says Debbie. Some return to work as volunteers.
The Ronald McDonald House "movement" began in 1973 when the daughter of Fred Hill, a football player for the Philadelphia Eagles, was diagnosed with leukemia. The team wanted to help and asked her doctor, Dr. Audrey Evans, whether she had a wish list. "I want a house," said Dr. Evans. "When parents bring their children to me, they have no place to stay." A foundation was created, telethons were held. McDonald's fast-food chain agreed to contribute a certain amount to the first and any future Ronald McDonald House. Today, the number is approaching 200. The house on South Lake Street was the 36th, and there are five other Ronald McDonald Houses in New York State.
Parents of premature babies form the largest single group of guests. Jim Shaughnessy, a busy person in his first few days as a guest, quickly discovered several other guests whose babies were in the same nursery. When Joann got out of the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House was a welcome change from her succession of rooms, exams, and hospital routine. The Rosses gave them a quiet efficiency in a corner of the house with a separate outside entrance. Jim says, "The seclusion and comfort were really good for her. The Rosses did everything to make us comfortable. I think it was wonderful."
The Web site for the Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region is at http://www.rmhofalbany.org.