Our House

25 Years of Caring

On Father's Day - June 21st, 1987 - the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina opened its' doors as an 18-bedroom home away from home. Today, 25 years later, our House has been "home" to nearly 12,000 families, representing nearly 25,000 admissions! Take a look at our 25 Years of Caring Album to see how we've grown.

Our former families on their "home away from home."

In 1997, I had a baby boy that was born premature. I have to say we stayed at the RMH in Greenville and they are an awesome group of people. It is truly a home away from home.
-Tracy Newcomb Pelletier

On Aug 31st, 1987, I went into labor 11 weeks prematurely. My local hospital here in Goldsboro was unable to stop my labor & my twin boys were delivered via emergency cesarean. Wayne Memorial does not have a NICU so my boys were transported to PCMH. Once I was discharged, I soon checked in to the Ronald McDonald House. It was a HUGE load off my already burdened shoulders. Had I had to drive to Greenville daily I would not have been able to spend nearly as much time w/ my sweet boys (not to mention the added expense). One of whom was very sick & only lived for 21 days. RMH not only provided me w/ an inexpensive (& very comfy/clean) home away from home during my boys' hospitalization, but it literally gave me much more time w/ my babies. As you can imagine, this time was greatly appreciated & absolutely PRICELESS w/ regard to the son who passed away. I am so thankful for RMHC & specifically the RMH of Eastern NC. Not only for the precious gift of time it allowed me, but also for the countless other families who have benefited from this fabulous charity. THANK YOU, RMH of Eastern NC!! I am forever in your debt. Happy 25th Anniversary! MANY more!!!!
-Jennifer Paynter

I stayed 16 out of 24 weeks - Oct 88-March 89 when my son had surgery, radiation chemo for his cancer. (Staying) helping preserve a little bit of sanity in an insane situation! (I) still have quilts that were given to my boys.

- Phyllis Smith Hayes

My husband and I stayed in the "New" one in Greenville in May, 1988. Our son was born with a heart defect and had surgery at Pitt. It was a very stressful time but having somewhere to stay that felt as close to "home" as it could was a blessing. As hard as it was to leave my baby at the hospital, it was nice to know I was so close by.
-Debbie Warren Rightmyer