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COVID-19 Updates

Your support matters more than ever

Click here to read our latest update (posted 1/6/2022)

Children of all ages continue to face serious health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As families seek the best possible care for their children, they’re relying on us for essential support. We take care of the basics so that every family can focus on what matters most — the health and well-being of their child.

Family of four poses for a picture while wearing face masks

Anna LaBella, from Ilion, NY, went through treatment for Ewing sarcoma — a rare form of bone cancer — during the COVID-19 pandemic. We helped Anna’s family stay safely by her side through all the ups and downs of this difficult time.

Fulfilling our mission during COVID-19

We made significant changes to our program operations in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to support every family in need. For more than six months, we covered the costs of hotels and meals to minimize exposure risks for families with sick children:

Data as of September 18, 2020

Illustration of family with red heart in center

99 families served

Bed with red heart over headboard

1,410 overnight stays provided

Star with red heart in center

14-night average length of stay

On September 23, 2020, we entered the final phase of reinstating services at the Ronald McDonald House, welcoming guest families back to the warm and comforting environment of “The House That Love Built.” Today, we continue to monitor and respond proactively to the changing conditions of the pandemic. Enhanced safety protocols remain in place and we continue to adjust our operations as needed to provide a safe environment for all guest families, volunteers and staff.

Mother and baby in hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

Our Ronald McDonald Family Room, which typically serves more than 25 families per day, was closed through the peak of the pandemic. For months, the Family Room was re-purposed to provide respite and comfort to hospital personnel at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med.

On April 19, 2021, the Family Room re-opened with limited hours, staffed exclusively by RMHC personnel. Since then, essential volunteers have returned to support families and allow for additional hours of operation, with a continued emphasis on cleaning and disinfection.

With help from Child Life Specialists within the children’s hospital, our RMHC Hospitality Cart remained in service through the worst of the pandemic, bringing the warmth of RMHC directly to patients and families in the pediatric units at Albany Med. From mid-March to late November, it delivered refreshments and resources to more than 1,000 children, parents and medical professionals. RMHC staff and volunteers have since returned to maneuver the Hospitality Cart through the pediatric units, serving snacks and smiles to children and families right at their bedside.

Three female hospital workers pose with the RMHC Hospitality Cart at Albany Med during COVID-19

You Can Help

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we remain committed to serving families with love and compassion in their time of need. Your generosity means more than ever during this unprecedented time.


More Ways to Help

Sketch of a blue place setting with red heart in center Love is Served
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Learn how you can support our Ronald McDonald House Meal Program during COVID-19