Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest

The House that Love Built

At Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest, every service we provide is designed to surround families with love, support, and community during the unimaginable: a serious illness or injury of a child. 

From meals and lodging to enrichment, connection, and comfort, we ensure families never face this journey alone. Every one of these programs is made possible by our compassionate volunteers, dedicated staff, and generous donors — people like you. 

We are on track to serve over 5,500 families in 2025, 80% of whom are from Minnesota and surrounding Upper Midwest states.  With the support of our community, we create a home where families feel supported, cared for, and surrounded by love.

And thanks to a generous match from Minnesota-based LVC Companies, the first $10,000 in gifts today will be doubled! 

A Minnesota Family's Story
When seven-year-old Preston from Bertha, Minnesota, was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia just before Christmas 2024, his family’s world turned upside down. Three hours from home, they found strength, comfort, and community at the Ronald McDonald House – a place that quickly became their “home away from home.” 

Preston's story, as told by his mother Kathleen, reminds us what hope and generosity make possible.

Preston and his pal, Bernie.When our seven-year-old son, Preston, started spiking 105-degree fevers for days on end, we knew something wasn’t right. After three trips to our local ER and a round of labs, we were sent to Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis. And on December 18, 2024, our lives changed forever with the diagnosis of T-cell leukemia.

Preston spent 23 days in the hospital during induction therapy (the first, intensive phase of chemotherapy designed to bring the leukemia into remission). It was an overwhelming time—our world suddenly revolved around chemo schedules, blood counts, and fears we’d never imagined facing. Living three hours away, we didn’t know how we’d manage being with him every day.

That's when we were referred to the Ronald McDonald House on Oak Street in Minneapolis. We first arrived on January 15th, I remember walking through the doors and just feeling… relief. It was warm, welcoming, and clean—truly a refuge. We were so grateful to have a place to stay for free during such a hard time, but what we received was so much more than that.

Over the months, we’ve stayed at the House many times during Preston’s frontline chemotherapy, including a long stretch from July to September when he needed chemo almost daily. I really believe that the House’s high level of cleanliness played a big role in keeping him healthy during the most difficult part of his treatment—he got through that whole phase without needing to be hospitalized even once, which was incredible!

Preston and mom, Kathleen. Photo by Jim BovinPreston loves the House and considers it to be his “home away from home.” He adores Bernie the House DOG (Director of Goodness), and enjoys BINGO nights, piano lessons, chess with Myron the volunteer, and—of course—all the amazing meals! 

The House has given us stability in the midst of chaos and a sense of normalcy on the scariest days. It has become more than a place to sleep— we’ve made lifelong friendships there with other families who understand what we’re going through, all of whom are supported by an amazing staff and wonderful volunteers.

Donating to the Ronald McDonald House helps families from across the state focus on what matters most: caring for a seriously ill or injured child.

My husband, our other children, and I have all promised that when we’re able, we’ll give back to the House that Love Built by serving meals, bringing gifts, and donating when we can. Because this place gave us so much love when we needed it most.

– Kathleen, a Ronald McDonald House Mom