14 Oct On 15 October, RMHC celebrates its 50th anniversary and we honour founder Dr. Audrey Evans.

On 15 October, RMHC celebrates its 50th anniversary and we are honouring the founder of the first Ronald McDonald House, Dr. Audrey Evans. 

Dr. Evans was an accomplished paediatric oncologist who revolutionized treatment for neuroblastoma cancer. She took a total-care approach toward her patients, treating not just their physical needs but their social, emotional, and spiritual needs as well. 

During her career, Dr. Evans treated children who travelled long distances for her help. She noticed that the families of these patients often had nowhere to stay and would be separated during the course of their child’s treatment. She saw an opportunity to extend her total-care approach to include the whole family.

Dr. Evans collaborated with local McDonald’s operators and the Philadelphia Eagles to fundraise, through sales of Shamrock Shakes, for the funds to purchase a house near the hospital where the families of her patients could stay. This house would become the very first Ronald McDonald House. In the 50 years since then, Ronald McDonald House Charities has expanded to offer more than 1,000 programs in 62 countries and regions around the world, impacting millions of families. 

We are honoured to continue Dr. Evans’s legacy of strengthening families during their child’s medical treatment.