TUCSON, Ariz. (May 7, 2018) – A remodeled and expanded Ronald McDonald Family Room re-opens May 9 as a restful haven for parents and relatives of children hospitalized at Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center.

Each month, more than 800 people visit the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center to take a break from the often stressful hospital routine, said Peggy Eisele, RN, director, pediatric services.

In the Family Room, parents, grandparents and siblings of pediatric inpatients can have a snack, read a magazine, watch TV or chat with friendly Ronald McDonald House volunteers in a comfy, non-clinical setting.

“My son was born with a severe bi-lateral cleft lip and palate,” said Stephanie Noyes of Tucson. “When he was about 2 years old, he had his first of many lip repair surgeries at Diamond Children’s. Having been through several procedures at another hospital, this was something we were both not looking forward to. The Family Room was available to us after his surgery and it was such a comfort. 

“Colin has had numerous revisions and other procedures done since then at Banner Diamond Children’s Center. Knowing that the comforts of the Ronald McDonald Family Room are there for us has been a welcome piece of home.”

Banner – University Medical Center donated $10,000 toward the construction project and the Sundt | DPR joint venture that is building the new Banner – UMC Tucson hospital tower donated labor and materials toward the two-month remodel, said Kate Jensen, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona.

“The new Family Room is so much more comfortable and inviting to families. It’s a huge benefit for families to use without having to leave the hospital. We’ve added an interactive play table for the kids and created a space that encourages sharing and support,” she said.

The hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities have enjoyed a partnership for nearly 40 years. In 2006, the hospital donated the land on Allen Road on which the current Ronald McDonald House was built. The house now abuts the massive new Banner – University Medicine North outpatient campus that opened in January.

Media is invited to cover the re-opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room from 10 a.m. – noon Wednesday, May 9, on the fourth floor of Diamond Children’s on the campus of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson.

Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center on the campus of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson offers a bright, healing environment where children feel safe while receiving the advanced care they need from the pediatric specialty physicians of Banner – University Medical Group and researchers of the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern Arizona (RMHC®), is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, the Family Shuttle and Caring Carts, RMHC helps families with sick children stay together, and close to the medical care their child needs at leading hospitals worldwide. RMHC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care, ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhctucson.org.