The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in 1974 in Philadelphia, thanks to the vision of Dr. Audrey Evans, Philadelphia Eagles’ player Fred Hill (whose daughter, Kim, had leukemia), Leonard Tose, owner of the Eagles, Jim Murray, the Eagles’ general manager, and Ed Rensi, the McDonald’s regional manager.
Soon, communities nationwide recognized the need for comfortable lodging for families with sick kids, and Houses began being built across the country.
Although linked through an organizational affiliation and shared values, each House is independently financed and operated.