Ronald McDonald House at Stanford

Innovators in Family Centered Care

Our Ronald McDonald House at Stanford is one of the largest medical housing facilities in the world, providing overnight stays to 123 families each night as they seek lifesaving treatments at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Families of pediatric patients not requiring housing can access meals and activities through day-use access. Volunteers and partners allow us to provide daily meals and comprehensive programming to restore a sense of normalcy and community during medical crises.

Ronald McDonald House School (Carter Family Classroom)

Our school was created to support education needs during prolonged and often complex medical treatments far from home. We partnered with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) to establish a full-day K-12 school available for any school-aged student staying at our House.

Taught by a certified PAUSD teacher, the school is recognized as an official district site, which allows students to earn course credit, receive official grades, and access district-funded specialists and parent aids. Our teacher and support volunteers create holistic education programs for students during and between school hours.

Camp Ronald McDonald House

Camp Ronald McDonald House are FREE summer & winter programs where children can be themselves in a fun, safe and supervised environment during school breaks. Campers participate in activities such as outdoor play, field trips, art and science projects, and more. Lunch and snacks are provided daily. Children can participate in one day of camp or every day.

Who can participate?

  • Camp Ronald McDonald House is open to children staying at our House at Stanford as well as out-patient children being treated at Packard Children’s
  • Siblings of patients
  • Children must be 4 years of age or older
  • Children must be potty trained

Hospitality Cart

Families at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, including siblings, often wait long hours or even days without leaving the hospital or their child’s bedside. Our Hospitality Cart moves throughout the hospital offering refreshments and snacks, toiletries, and age-appropriate toys to patients, siblings, and their families.

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