Ronald McDonald House marks 10 years

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Ronald McDonald House at Parkview is celebrating ten years of helping families. During that time nearly 10,000 families have stayed there at no cost.

The facility opened its doors on January 16, 2002 as one of only two in-hospital programs in the international Ronald McDonald House Charity system. It now serves as a model for others, since in-hospital Houses are the fastest growing segment of the Ronald McDonald House program.

The Ronald McDonald House will mark the anniversary with a move into a new House in December. McDonald's restaurants from around the Fort Wayne area have donated $250,000 for the project.

The new House will be 9,000 square feet on the main floor of Parkview Regional Medical Center. It will feature ten sleeping rooms for families, a large gathering room with a private sitting area, a kitchen and a large family-style dining room. There will also be a library with reading nook and computers and a laundry room.

"The house not only provides accommodations and a home away from home, but it's an opportunity for them to gain support with only families going through a similar experience," said Lisa Pacula, the Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House.