Ronald McDonald House Scranton

Family Stays - A Mission Moment

When Addisyn was just 5 years old, her family’s world changed in an instant. What started as stomach pain quickly became a life threatening emergency when her appendix ruptured. She was rushed from her local emergency room to a hospital two hours from home, where she underwent emergency surgery and began a difficult five day recovery.

For Addisyn’s parents, the fear was overwhelming. With three other children at home, they were suddenly trying to hold their family together while staying close to their daughter during a critical moment in her care.

That is when Ronald McDonald House stepped in.

The House gave Addisyn’s family a place to stay near the hospital so they did not have to face those long days and sleepless nights alone. Meals, comfort, and support were provided at no cost, allowing the family to focus completely on what mattered most, being together.

During her stay, Addisyn received a comfort blanket and activity bag that brought smiles and peace during a frightening time. Her mother had a place to rest close to her daughter, and her siblings had a welcoming place to stay when they came to visit. In the middle of uncertainty and fear, the House helped keep their family close.

For Addisyn’s family, Ronald McDonald House was more than a place to stay. It was a source of comfort, stability, and hope when they needed it most.

Today, their family gives back in gratitude because they know firsthand that no family should face a child’s medical crisis alone.

Who We Are & What We do

For over 40 years, Ronald McDonald House Scranton has provided essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

When a child is facing serious illness or injury, families are often forced to navigate long hospital stays, unexpected travel, financial hardship, exhaustion, and time away from loved ones. Our programs are designed to ease those burdens and provide comfort, stability, and support during some of the most difficult moments a family will ever face.

Our mission comes to life through our core programs, including the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms located inside local hospitals. Together, these programs help families remain close to their child while they receive medical care in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Last year alone, the Ronald McDonald House Program supported approximately 1,000 overnight stays for families traveling for their child’s treatment. Located on Wheeler Avenue, our House provides free lodging in a welcoming and supportive environment close to local medical facilities. Families also have access to nutritious meals prepared by volunteers, donated snacks and beverages, laundry services, hygiene items, private bathrooms, transportation assistance to and from the hospital, and everyday comforts that bring relief during uncertain times.

Our Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms inside local hospitals provide families with a quiet and comforting space only steps away from their child’s bedside. These spaces allow parents and caregivers to rest, recharge, enjoy refreshments, shower, or simply take a moment away from the clinical setting while remaining close to the care their child needs. Through our hospitality and patient support programs, we also provide comfort items, activity bags, refreshments, and thoughtful visits that help brighten difficult days for children and their families.

Last year, our Family Room Programs welcomed more than 3,000 visits and nearly 2,000 bedside visits to pediatric patients throughout our local hospitals.

Ronald McDonald House Scranton is a true not for profit organization. We do not receive government funding or medical reimbursement for the services we provide. Every meal served, overnight stay provided, transportation trip completed, and family supported is made possible through the generosity of donors, grants, community partners, and fundraising efforts.

With the support of our community, we can continue providing compassionate programs that keep families close, remove barriers to care, and support children and families in their deepest hours of need.