02 Mar Celebrating 44 Years of Keeping Families Close

Our first Ronald McDonald House on Houston Mill Road opened its doors on March 11, 1979, 44 years ago. We celebrate our anniversary and the founding of the fourth RMHC chapter with our annual Giving Days help more families, like the Schmidts and Lansdells from Rome, Georgia, with sick children.

Our first Ronald McDonald House on Houston Mill Road opened its doors on March 11, 1979, 44 years ago. We celebrate our anniversary and the founding of the fourth RMHC chapter with our annual Giving Days to help more families, like the Schmidts and Lansdells from Rome, Georgia, with sick children.

All gifts during our 2023 Giving Days celebration were doubled, raising enough to provide more than 1,300 nights for families.

Callen Schmidt, 3, was just 5 weeks old when he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. His family stayed at our House near Egleston while he had open heart surgery and recovered in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. “All aspects of Atlanta RMHC… the locations, the people and the safe spaces made it easier for us to focus on our family and Callen’s journey,” says Callen’s mom, Kearstin.

Callen’s friend, Levi Lansdell, 3, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2022. The Lansdells are staying at our House near Scottish Rite while Levi has chemotherapy. During treatment, Levi is immunocompromised requiring him to stay near the hospital even when discharged. “The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House has been one of the few bright spots of Levi’s treatment,” says mom, Karli.

Kearstin and Karli have been friends since childhood, but staying at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House during their sons’ treatments has brought them even closer together.

“When you do donate to Atlanta RMHC, you are building a community, enhancing existing friendships, and creating a safe space for children and their families,” Kearstin says.

Thank you to our Board who will double your impact with a generous match.