Family members of up to 53 hospitalized children now benefit each day from the first Ronald McDonald Family Room in the Valley, located inside Banner Children’s at Thunderbird.
Designed as a peaceful place for families to find comfort and support while staying close to their hospitalized child, the majority of construction costs for the Family Room were offset by a generous $200,000 contribution from Erika and Roger Greaves, Youth Angels.
Located inside the medical center at 5555 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale, the 710 square foot Ronald McDonald Family Room serves families whose children are receiving care in the 36 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 17 bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Just steps from intensive care facilities, the Family Room features a welcoming reception area, lounge, kitchenette with coffee and snacks, wi fi, laundry amenities, and a private lactation room. The space also includes two napping bays designed for rest and renewal with massage chairs, noise canceling headphones, and a calm, non clinical environment where parents and caregivers can recharge during long hospital days.
“When a child is receiving critical care, proximity matters,” said Kerry Schulman, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Central and Northern Arizona. “This Family Room provides families a place to pause, decompress, and recharge without ever having to leave the hospital.”
The Family Room layout was designed by Interiors In Design, with architectural support from HKS and construction completed by Kitchell, at a total cost of $375,000.
“Banner Health is committed to caring for the whole family, not just the patient,” said Name Name, Title of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. “This Family Room provides a welcome source of rest and support for parents who are often exhausted or making important medical decisions. We are proud to be the first hospital in the Valley to be home to a Ronald McDonald Family Room.”
The Ronald McDonald Family Room is currently open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a long term goal of expanding hours as volunteer shifts are filled.
Volunteers are essential to operating the Family Room and play a key role in welcoming families, providing assistance, and helping maintain the space throughout the day.
“The board and staff at Ronald McDonald House Central and Northern Arizona are grateful to the leadership team at Banner Health for their partnership and commitment to making this Family Room possible,” Schulman said. “Families will benefit from this space and support model for years to come.”
Community members interested in volunteering can contact Jen Donelly at jdonnelly@ronaldmcdonaldhousecnaz.org to learn more.