Our Mission

The Pasadena Ronald McDonald House provides a community supported "home away from home" for families coming into Pasadena to seek advanced medical treatment for their critically or terminally ill children. Premature births, cancer and other critical illnesses can put unimaginable stress on a family and, in addition, many people must travel great distances looking for treatments and answers not found near their home - we're here to help.


Dietrich Dedication March 2011


Lightroom Burned Exports Long Beach Memorial

In addition to lodging, we also provide:

  • Fully-stocked kitchen and pantry for preparing meals
  • Volunteer groups who cook a Meal of Love dinner at least three times a week
  • Volunteer groups to arrange special in-house activities
  • Computers for families to use that also include video chat capability
  • Weekly visits from a licensed pet therapy dog
  • Educational services for patients and siblings through Pasadena Unified School District
  • Child care resources through the CCIS Families in Crisis program and the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club
  • Supportive care for patients, siblings and parents through community resource groups
  • Holiday celebrations complete with food and festivities
  • Assistance with making connections to other non-profit organizations including the Make A Wish Foundation, Mending Kids International, American Cancer Society, The Desi Geestman Foundation, Haven House, CCIS and the Union Station Foundation.
  • Free errand transportation to local stores, etc.
  • Occasional tickets from donors to plays, amusement parks, sporting events and other activities for the whole family

Hospital Partners

The Pasadena Ronald McDonald House is located across the street from Huntington Memorial Hospital, but also serves families receiving treatment at a number of area hospitals including:

  • Huntington Hospital
  • City of Hope
  • Shriners Hospitals for Children - Los Angeles
  • Children's Hospital Los Angeles
  • UCLA Medical Center
  • LAC+USC Medical Center
  • Cedars Sinai Medical Center
  • Doheny Eye Institute
  • House Ear Institute

Care and Support

The Pasadena Ronald McDonald House offers a positive environment for families seeking privacy and the supportive fellowship of others. Children are able to interact with other children facing challenging health conditions and participate in both organized and leisure play. Parents and caregivers find support with one another during meal preparation or over a cup of coffee in the garden. Families are free to express their hopes, fears and share experiences with one another. This type of unmatched support helps to ease fears, provide perspective and will often lead to lasting friendships.