Member News

New name and refreshed look reflect a clearer, stronger message: more than just a place to stay. A place to stay strong.

Rochester, NY — May 20, 2026 — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester is proud to announce a new era as it officially becomes Ronald McDonald House, part of a global rebrand designed to more clearly reflect its mission and impact.

This transformation includes a new name, updated logo, refreshed photography, and stronger, more focused messaging, all created to help the community better understand the organization’s purpose: Round the clock love and support for the whole family.

Ronald McDonald House helps improve health outcomes by allowing families to stay actively involved in their child’s healthcare. It is more than just a place to stay, it is a place to stay supported, connected, and cared for, with round-the-clock comfort and community for the entire family. Ronald McDonald House Rochester is truly the conduit for care, drawing 95% of our families from across New York state as they come to Rochester for specialized medical treatment. These include high-risk pregnant mothers; and families with children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, complex cardiac or gastrointestinal cases, and more.

While the look is new, the mission remains the same.

“Our mission has always been at the heart of everything we do,” said JoAnne Ryan, RN, MHA, President & CEO. “This rebrand allows us to tell that story more clearly and continue to grow the support that makes our work possible.”

The Rochester chapter also shares a special connection to the global rebrand campaign through former Ronald McDonald House father Karl Helfner and his daughter, Iris. When global leadership invited families to submit letters about their experience with Ronald McDonald House, Karl shared a heartfelt reflection on his family’s stay in Rochester during Iris’s medical journey, and his was chosen out of submissions from around the world.

Karl’s words are now featured in a national commercial for the rebrand, with Karl himself reading the letter aloud, helping bring the mission of Ronald McDonald House to life through the perspective of a real family.

“This is one of the most important things I may ever do in my life. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference to so many families I will never meet.”

Since opening in Rochester in 1990, Ronald McDonald House has provided a “home away from home” for thousands of families navigating medical challenges. In the past year

alone, the House provided 9,766 family nights, saving families more than $2.6 million in lodging and meal costs.

At the center of this new era is a simple but powerful idea: Family Stays. When a child is in the hospital, family does whatever it takes to stay. At Ronald McDonald House Rochester we give them a community of support, warm meals, and a place to rest. Because when a child is in the fight of their lives, family stays. And Ronald McDonald House Rochester stays with them.

To bring this message to life, Ronald McDonald House will launch a new awareness campaign across the community, including a billboard near the Goodman Street exit, radio spots, print advertising, updated website, and a series of engaging social media moments. The campaign reinforces that the Ronald McDonald Rochester is more than just a place to stay, it is a place to stay strong.

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the new brand, explore the mission, and support local families by visiting: ronaldmcdonaldhouseroc.org.

About Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. By offering a place to stay near the hospital, along with meals, comfort, and community, the House ensures families can remain close, involved, and supported every step of the way.

In addition to Ronald McDonald House Rochester’s flagship program, the 24-room house on Westmoreland, Ronald McDonald House of Rochester operates a seven-room House Within the Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital, Family Rooms at Golisano Children’s Hospital and Unity Hospital of Rochester, a Mental Health and Wellness room at Strong, as well as hospitality carts that provide food, snack bags and other needs at Strong, Rochester General Hospital, East River Road outpatient clinic and Thompson Health in Canandaigua. Ronald McDonald House Rochester also operates House to Home, which brings comprehensive telehealth and more directly into the homes of patients in the Complex Care program. Overall, Ronald McDonald House Rochester serves over 3000 families per year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Amy Hall

VP, Advancement and Communications

Cell: (419) 306-6879

 

Lisa Mayberry

Marketing and Development Manager

Office: (585) 442-5437 x2215