Ronald McDonald Family Room Opens At CHOA Scottish Rite

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities has opened its new Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. The room will provide comfort and respite for families of children who are receiving treatment at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Children's Scottish Rite campus at 1001 Johnson Ferry Road in Sandy Springs.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room will keep families with kids undergoing treatment together by providing a comfortable place to relax and regroup just steps away from their child’s hospital bed. The new project is the latest expansion of the Ronald McDonald House Charities programs and services which also includes two Ronald McDonald Houses and a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

“Opening the Ronald McDonald Family Room will advance our mission and vision to increase our local impact by expanding our services to more families,” said Beth Howell, Atlanta RMHC president and CEO. “The addition of the Family Room strengthens our partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and will help expand our visibility and reach in the local community.”

The new, 450-square-foot room is expected to serve more than 600 patient families each year. Volunteer groups will provide complimentary meals seven days a week. Amenities include comfortable seating, a kitchenette, complimentary coffee, beverages and snacks. The room will also provide tablets and Wi-Fi access for personal devices.

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"When a child is hospitalized and fighting cancer, it is extremely stressful on families," said Dr. Douglas Graham, director of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. "This Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide a much-needed oasis of calm and support to give families what they need to keep their bodies and spirits strong."

The room will be operated by Atlanta RMHC staff and Family Room volunteers. Family room hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the health and well-being of children and families. For more information, visit armhc.org or call (404) 315-1133.

Image via Ronald McDonald House Charities/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite