itself, that’s one of the hardest things to experience. It can be
tough on our staff. But, they are wonderful and caring. I can’t
say enough great things about them.”
The need for the Ronald McDonald House can’t be overstat-
ed. Since it’s opening in 1984, the Louisville facility has cared for
approximately 30,000 families. Thirty-six private guestrooms
for up to four people each are in the House, and they run at
an average of over 90% occupancy. Last year alone, over 300
families were turned away because the building was at capacity.
However, efforts are already in motion to change that.
The Ronald McDonald House of Kentuckiana has expanded
twice in the last 15 years, but a major opportunity for growth
is on the horizon as the organization has purchased the space
previously occupied by the Greater Louisville Medical Society,
which was in the other half of the Old Medical School Building
before recently moving to a new location at 328 E. Main St. This
purchase offers the ability to significantly increase the size and
scope of the RMHCK’s capabilities.
“The opportunity to purchase the GLMS Building was a re-
ally important one for us,” said Hedley. “We plan to make more
guest rooms and more common areas, a larger kitchen and
dining areas. This was really the perfect chance for us to grow
in a way that makes sense.”
Today, the Ronald McDonald House of Kentuckiana has a
staff of 14 people, along with more than 300 volunteers in 2016
VITAL SIGNS Volume 12 • Issue 1
alone, who keep the building running smoothly throughout the
year.
Volunteers typically take three hour shifts managing house-
hold responsibilities and helping cook dinner each night. The
Ronald McDonald House staff also makes holidays as special
as can be, serving Thanksgiving dinner and decorating the
house for the holidays. They even have a Santa’s workshop so
parents don’t have to worry about presents.
“Volunteering is a great way for people to get involved,” said
Hedley. “But, there are lots of ways people can help. If they
don’t have time but still want to give, they can donate on our
website. We have a wish list there which we update regularly
with items we use on a daily basis. We also have a vehicle do-
nation program.”
For volunteers, visit www.rmhck.org or call 502-581-
1416 to see ways you can donate or get involved! And,
keep an eye out for the Ronald McDonald House do-
nation boxes in your local McDonald’s restaurants.
These donations go directly to RMHCK to support the
families of sick children.
If you or a family you know may need the services of
the Ronald McDonald House, please talk to staff at
your doctor’s office about getting referred to the or-
ganization.
7