Select the story you'd like to read:

  • Individual Stories

  • Corporate Stories

  • Volunteer Stories

  • General Stories

It Started With One Child - Kim Hill

It was 1969. Kim Hill was 3-years old, battling leukemia. Doctors said she most likely wouldn’t recover.  Frightened, her parents, Fred and Fran, vigilantly stayed at her bedside.  They slept in a chair in her room.  They grabbed whatever food they could.  They tried to hide their worry, sadness and fatigue.  They mustered up every last ounce of strength they had and gave it to their daughter.

To everyone’s surprise, their strong little girl beat the odds. 

Inspired by their struggle, Fred and Fran set about to help other families.  They knew they could have given Kim more of themselves if they had a place to sleep close by, a home-cooked meal, a friend to talk to, and people to help them worry less.

In 1974, they worked to bring together a doctor, the Philadelphia Eagles, McDonald’s and an entire community to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.   It was a place of strength so families could give 100% of themselves to their child. Demand was so great, with supporters so passionate, that it was an idea that has been replicated more than 300 times to date, with plans to keep on growing.

In March 2011, Kim Hill passed away at the age of 43.  Unfortunately, Kim’s story is echoed by millions of children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and the families that struggle to support them.  Because of Kim and your continued support, they are not alone.  

 "At the time I didn't enjoy being sick. But I'm glad I did get sick, because through my suffering, a great thing has come from it." - Kim Hill, 1983

It started with one child, and one family, who in turn helped millions more.  All it takes to keep it going is you.  Donate today to honor the memory of Kim Hill and the millions of families that found strength because of her.

In Loving Memory of Kim Hill - August 11, 1966 – March 5, 2011

Comments (13)|(Hide)

  • Val

    26/12/2011 2:04pm

    This is a truly inspiring story! I am starting to volunteer at my local RMH and I have, during the summer, raised over $100 for the charity and plan to continue donating. I give my well wishes for all who need strength, and always remember that you're NOT alone! xo

  • 24/08/2011 6:01pm

    Ronald McDonald house was a shining light in a dark time. Our son was diagnosed with Leukaemia and being able to stay at RMDH in Christchurch was such a help. The kindness we received was immeasurable and having our daughter with us in a warm, homely environment was wonderful when it felt everything else was not! Thank you so much. We will never forget your support and love.

  • Robert D. Russell

    21/08/2011 2:01pm

    That's *...my heart cries...*. Didn't see the typo through the tears.

  • Robert D. Russell

    21/08/2011 1:57pm

    I can relate in two ways. I was born the same month and year as Kim and I am a dad who has a 3 year old fighting Lymphoma. My wife and I have used the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Children's Hospital in South Bend, IN so many times we've decided to give back by bringing in meals and other food donations. It's so wonderful to have a place to go to 'get away' when you can't leave the hospital. My hear cries for Kim along with her parents and family. God bless them all for hardships they have suffered and the blessings they have shared.

  • Teri ireland

    19/08/2011 11:46am

    Our continued thanks to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House for opening thier doors and hearts to our family for the past 14 years.Addie's last surgery was April 2011, thanks to the RMDH, her twin sister patti and I were right by her side.In Kim's memory and to support every child and family who has ever or will ever needed the RMDH, I ask you to support this incredible "Home Away from Home".

  • 19/08/2011 10:58am

    God love all who, through no decision of their own, have learned the true meaning of love and support provided by the staff and volunteers of Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide, but especially those at RMH Cincinnati. Thank you Ms. Hall for what you gave to our family.

  • Heather Swanson

    16/08/2011 9:30pm

    Ronald McDonald House was our saving grace when our son, Ronan, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005. I was a walking zombie the first day and the Ronald McDonald House gave me a place to sleep, bathe, and spend time with my other son. Thanks for sharing the history.

  • shirlie kempf

    10/08/2011 9:51am

    We stayed at the Ronald McDonald house in Madison,Wi when my son was in the hospital in 2000. we came home without our baby that year but the Ronald McDonald house has always remembered us. Every year on the Anniversary of his death we receive a card. and every mothers day I receive a card. Goes to show that they REALLY care! So when Your at McDonalds and you see that Box... GIVE your Change

  • Christine Dugdell

    10/08/2011 9:18am

    my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Sept.2008. We stayed at the Jacsonville Ronald McDonald House in Florida for 7 weeks,so he could receive his radiation treatment. It was a home away from home! We are forever grateful!

  • 10/08/2011 7:54am

    We are so thankful for Ronald McDonald House. During our son's hospitalizations, we were able to be with him. We would have been sleeping in our truck had it not been for the super folks that keep RMH going. I never expected to have need of their services, but I am so glad Kim Hill and her parents left such an enduring legacy.

  • 09/08/2011 8:59pm

    Thanks for sharing Amy Cunningham..this truly is inspiring (and I never knew the history behind the Ronald McDonald House)

  • 09/08/2011 6:39pm

    Love and gratitude to Kim and her beautiful family. We lost our beautiful Henry Beckett in 2005, but because of the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House (in which he was born), I was able to spend every day of his life right by his side where I will always belong. My love to all of you.

  • Liz Mercier

    09/08/2011 6:37pm

    Love and gratitude to Kim and her beautiful family. We lost our beautiful Henry Beckett in 2006, but because of the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House (in which he was born), I was able to spend every day of his life right by his side where I will always belong. My love to all of you.

  1. Comment on This Story

    1. Comment as a Guest

    *Required

    Max 1,000 Characters

    This is a security feature to protect your privacy and the site.

  2. 2. Comment through Facebook

    Use your Facebook account to log in and leave a comment that can be shared with your Facebook friends, too.