30 Years of Love Celebrated at New Mexico’s Ronald McDonald House
New Mexico's sole Ronald McDonald House celebrates its 30th anniversary October 30
From a Ronald McDonald House Charities of NM press release...
When newborn Jesse Pride was rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque from his home in Aztec, New Mexico, back in 1982, his parents had no idea how they would manage the expense and ongoing travel that would be involved in order to be at Jesse’s side during his treatment. Fortunately, Jesse’s family was one of the first to be able to stay in the then-new Ronald McDonald House located just north of the UNM campus—making long hours of travel and expensive stays in local motels something they wouldn’t have to face during that stressful, worry-filled time.
Now 30, Jesse recalls, “My family being able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House was a major thing. Otherwise, my family and I might not have been able to travel to Albuquerque to get the treatment I needed.”
Next week, 30 years later, Jesse and his family will return to New Mexico’s sole Ronald McDonald House to celebrate its 30th Anniversary providing a true home away from home for New Mexico families needing to be near their children during times of medical crisis. He won’t be alone; many previous guests of the “House” have been invited to help celebrate the milestone event at the facility on Tuesday, October 30, along with hundreds of volunteers and supporters who have kept the House running smoothly and compassionately over the years.
Public Invited to Day of Celebration
In keeping with its vision of “strengthening families and communities one child at a time,” the Albuquerque facility, located at 1011 Yale NE, will also welcome the public to its celebration on the 30th, which will include tours of the expanded facility.The House will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. RSVPs are requested by emailing contactus@rmhc-nm.org by Monday, October 29th. Visitors are encouraged to help the House embark on its next 30 years by bringing along an item to donate from the organization’s “Wish List” (see www.rmhc-nm.org/wish-lists.html).
