Ronald McDonald Family Room at Oishei Children's Hospital reopens following redesign

Room updates made possible by Buffalo Renaissance Foundation grant

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York Press Release and Photo

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York (RMHC of WNY) is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Ronald McDonald Family Room at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo (OCH). A ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday outside of the Family Room on the hospital’s fifth floor to mark the occasion.

The Family Room, a welcoming and cozy space for families to grab complimentary snacks, relax, and receive support, is reopening after receiving a makeover made possible by a generous grant from the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation.

The room’s enhancements include additional counter space and improved amenities designed to create a more relaxed and serene environment for families visiting the room during their child’s hospital stay. The redesign reflects RMHC of WNY’s ongoing commitment to providing compassionate care to families while their children receive medical treatment in Buffalo.

“On behalf of the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation’s board of directors, we are honored to collaborate with such an impactful organization as the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York on a much-needed project,” said Bill Cleary, president of the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation.

Executive Director of RMHC of WNY Lisa Booz said, “We are incredibly grateful to the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation for their generosity and support in transforming the Ronald McDonald Family Room. The newly renovated room will allow us to continue providing comfort and care to families during some of their most challenging times.”

Board President of RMHC of WNY Nicholas Alberalla added, "With the reopening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, our mission will be able to extend its services to even more families during their hospital stay. “This refreshed space ensures that families can find rest and support right where they need it the most – just steps away from their loved ones' bedside.”

“The reopening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the experience and well-being of families during their time with us,” said Dr. Steve Turkovich, president of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. “Thanks to the RMHC of WNY and Buffalo Renaissance Foundation's generosity, this welcoming space will continue to provide comfort, connection and relief to families.”

Representatives from RMHC of WNY, the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, and OCH will attend the ceremony. For more information about RMHC of WNY and its programs, visit rmhcwny.org.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a welcoming and cozy space located on the fifth floor down the hall from the Family Resource Center of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, away from the medical setting. It is a place where families can recharge, grab a bit to eat, connect with other families, and find support during long days at the hospital. The Family Room is open seven days a week and is operated by friendly RMHC of WNY volunteers. Since opening in 2017, the Family Room has served thousands of families while their children receive medical treatment. In 2023 alone, the room received 10,712 visits.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York is a nonprofit organization and proud chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities global network. Our mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need health care.

Since 1983, our Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has served more than 21,411 families from New York, neighboring states, and globally. Our additional programs include the Ronald McDonald Family Room in John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, which has received more than 1,000 visits monthly since opening in 2017, and our Ronald McDonald Hospitality Cart, a “little house on wheels,” which travels from room to room, delivering snacks, light refreshments, toys and activities to patients’ bedsides throughout OCH and in the mother/baby unit and NICU at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo.

For more information about RMHC of WNY and how you can help, visit rmhcwny.org.