In the News
NEWS ARTICLES
A Farewell Message from Outgoing CEO Ellen Carpenter
A Farewell Message from Outgoing CEO Ellen CarpenterAt RMHC West Michigan, our mission is to create a “home away from home” for families facing medical challenges. Navigating health issues, especially with children, can be an incredibly difficult journey. The...
Ellen Carpenter announces retirement
Ellen Carpenter announces retirement Current development chief Salina Bishop tapped to succeed in 2025 (GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM) President/CEO Ellen Carpenter has announced her intention to retire after five years...
Round-up fundraising at West Michigan McDonald’s restaurants benefits the West Michigan Ronald McDonald House
Whenever you make a purchase at a West Michigan McDonald’s, you’re often asked to round-up your order to the next dollar. When you do, Executive Director for Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan Ellen Carpenter wants you to know just how much that helps....
Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan Announces 2024 Board Changes
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) West Michigan announces several changes to its board of directors for 2024.
RMHC West Michigan Honors Volunteers at Red Shoe Gala
Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHC West Michigan) proudly acknowledges the invaluable and selfless contributions of its volunteers in providing care and comfort to families in need. Even during the height of the pandemic, the organization received...
Ronald McDonald House Launches $2.5 Million Expansion to Serve More Families
ARTICLE BELOW IS FROM CORP! MAGAZINE Leaders of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) announced the More Rooms, More Love campaign, a $2 million fundraising effort to expand and renovate the House at 1323 Cedar, NE in Grand Rapids. Funds will be used to add eight additional...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan honors 35 years of assisting families with “The Event”
Ronald McDonald House $2.5M expansion gives families ‘more rooms, more love’ for care – MLIVE
GHACF Youth Advisory Council Awards Largest Amount of Grants in History
Michigan food pantries awarded grants, refrigerators – WOOD
Ronald McDonald House hosting food drive for pantry at Grand Rapids location – WZZM 13
Ronald McDonald House fundraiser featuring food, music, beer – WZZM 13
Ronald McDonald House expanding to serve more families – FOX 17
Ronald McDonald House West Michigan plans $2M expansion to meet growing needs – CRAIN’S
FAMILY STORIES
Our Only Focus – The Franks Family
If a room at the Ronald McDonald House was not available, we would have camped out in the NICU. We wanted to spend as much time with our daughter as possible.
Keeping Us Together – The Klastow Family
Like many second time moms, Lindsey Klastow didn’t expect an emergency C-section at 31 weeks into her pregnancy due to preeclampsia. Not only was she facing recovery from the unplanned surgery but also a long commute between her home in Ludington, MI and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital where baby Emmitt (born at 1lb. 9oz.) was growing stronger.
A Tough Little Guy – Axel Reyes
“Think of the milestones we would have missed if we couldn’t stay close”, says Nadia as she talks to Chance about their baby Axel.
Rarer Than a Lightning Strike – The Williams Family
Imagine hearing that not only does your child have cancer- but it’s such a rare form that it’s only been documented in 135 cases worldwide- or in less than one percent of the population. More rare than being struck by a lightning bolt.
A Place to Call Home – The Theobald Family
Jilleanna Theobald never expected to be away from her home in Cadillac for six months. But when she was, she couldn’t imagine being at a better place than the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM).
Striving for Normalcy – The Gordier Family
Our family lives in Brimley, Michigan which is 16 miles from the Canadian border. The Upper Peninsula is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, but due to the isolated nature of the area, we lack many medical and psychological services.
Whatever It Takes – The Brimer Family
“Staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan has been a huge blessing to my family and has made it possible to be able to get my son the care he needs.” – Jennifer Brimer
Far From Home – The Willard Family
On December 13th last year, Sean and Amber Willard came to Grand Rapids to meet with leading oncologist Dr. Giselle Sholler, who is Head of the Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Their 5-year old daughter, Natalie, was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February 2016.
Comfort and Care – The Watkins Family
The Watkins family from Dowagiac, MI found the care they need in Grand Rapids. Fourteen-year-old Kenia has been receiving medical care at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s hematology/oncology program and rehabilitation services through Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.