Ronald McDonald Family Room reaches milestone: 1,000 families served
01/16/24 02:30:pm
The Ronald McDonald Family Room, housed inside the Ladish Center to offer Rogers patients’ families a relaxing home-away-from home during the day, is proudly sharing they’ve served more than 1,000 families.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin is thanking staff, donors, and volunteers, as well as Rogers for being their partner in making this milestone possible.
The Family Center, open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week, provides families visiting a loved one a comfortable environment to take a break. With amenities including complimentary snacks, a play area, and internet access, families can enjoy a nap, watch a movie, entertain a sibling, get work done or simply relax.
“Many years ago, when we surveyed patient families at Rogers about what would make their experience on campus better, having a comfortable space to relax during the day was top on their list,” said Matthias Schueth, executive vice president of Rogers’ Foundation. “Achieving this milestone so quickly demonstrates the importance of our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities. It’s great to see how much our families have embraced all the amenities the Family Room has to offer.”
Since opening in 2021, the Family Room has been host to nearly 12,000 total visits including families who have returned.
“I can’t get over how wonderful the family room is!” a guest wrote as feedback. “Everything we could possibly need is there and everyone was so nice. We look forward to our next visit!
After their visits, guests often share their appreciation of the space and how it allows them to relax and reconnect with themselves and their families.
“I am able to rest and take care of myself during the day so I can take care of my son at night,” wrote the parent of a patient. “A special memory was chatting in a group with a family on their last day. It felt so nice to laugh. I cannot even begin to tell you how thankful I am for this place.”
On average, the Family Room hosts 10 visitors a day during the week and 30 a day on weekends. At its busiest, the space welcomed 94 visits in just one day.
Treatment team members may also bring patients to the Family Room as a fun incentive.
“It made the world of difference to have a nice place to go during a difficult time,” wrote one visitor with a daughter in Rogers’ care. “We sat outside and listened to the beautiful water features – so calming. Many life-changing conversations took place there. Thank you so much!!!”
You can learn more about the Family Room here.
