The Ronald Mcdonald House is a non-profit organization which serves children undergoing chemotherapy and their families. We are known as the home-away-from-home because of the warm atmosphere and obvious concern that we show to the families in this most stressful time of their lives. In 1994, we had children and families from 45 states and 34 foreign countries.

While providing a means for the Greek community to support Ronald McDonald House, the Greek Division also offers its members a unique opportunity to acknowledge this important role Ronald McDonald House has played in the lives of hundreds of children. Sicne 1979 when the House was founded, more than 6,500 Greek children have stayed at Ronald House.

Ronald McDonald House is more than a building. A diagnosis of cancer in a child is one of the most emotionally an economically devastating experiences a family can undergo. For more families, fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation are compounded by the need to travel far from home for treatment. For these families Ronald McDonald House is an oasis of acceptance, understanding and caring. The House provides a safe, affordable and supportive environment in which families can meet and share experiences with other families in similar cirumstances. English lessons are offered to help overcome language barriers. The children share birthdays and holidays. They can create arts and crafts, learn to play an instrument or join in game and movie nights. Volunteers accompany the children and families on trips around New York City to museums, sporting events and performances. All of these activities help return to these children some of the sense of childhood that cancer has tried to take away. Medical experts in the field of pediatric oncology agree that the Ronald McDonald program plays a key role in the children's recovery process.

It costs Ronald McDonald House $140 per night to house each family. From the start, the House has had a policy of asking families to pay only $20 per night with the Ronald McDonald House paying the balance of the costs. The House has always maintained a commitment that no family will be returned away for lack of financial resources. It is, therefore, imperative that the House enlist the participation of friend and supporters to defray these costs and to support its educational, recreational and cultural programs.

Because we have helped so many Greek families, the Greek Division of Ronald McDonald House was formed under the leadership of Niki Sideris to help us with our enormous endeavors. The Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House feel that that is the Greek community's way of saying "thank you" to us for helping so many of their sick children for such a long period of time. We have been happy to serve these families and plan to continue to do so in the future.