Members' Stories

Marine Mickey Donaldson and the first Ronald McDonald House

On October 15, 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened at 4032 Spruce Street with room for seven families. The House opened with the help of Philadelphia Eagles manager Jimmy Murray and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Pediatric Oncologists Dr. Audrey Evans and Dr. Milton 'Mickey' Donaldson. In the early 1970s, Drs. Evans and Donaldson saw families spending night after night in the hospital while their children received medical care. She knew there had to be a better way and envisioned a house where families could stay. At the same time, the Philadelphia Eagles were fundraising in support of player Fred Hill's daughter, Kim, who was battling leukemia. Jimmy Murray met with Dr. Evans and committed to supporting her dream for a house. He approached their advertiser McDonald's for support and they agreed to fund the house through Shamrock Shake sales. In 1981, the House changed locations to 3925 Chestnut Street increasing the number of bedrooms to 19. This was then increased again in 1995, adding 24 rooms to a total capacity of 43 rooms through an expansion largely funded by U.S. Healthcare. Years later, one bedroom was added to the mansion side of the house and in 2009 a lounge was converted into another bedroom—the 45th bedroom at Chestnut Street. Dr. Donaldson joined the Marine Corps after high school and served in the Korean Conflict where he was wounded in action. Dr. Donaldson passed away in 2016. There are currently over 387 Ronald McDonald Houses in 62 countries