OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for its advanced pediatric care, hundreds of families each year visit Central DuPage Hospital, now part of Northwestern Medicine, during what is likely one of the most trying times in their lives. Now, those families have a place to call home while their child receives life-saving treatment, as the Ronald McDonald House near Central DuPage Hospital opens in Winfield, Ill.
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The new 19,000-square-foot, two-story, craftsman-style House is located at 0N150 Winfield Road, across the street from Central DuPage Hospital. In addition to families of children at CDH, the House will also support families of hospitalized children at the CDH Proton Center in Warrenville, Delnor Hospital in Geneva and other area hospitals.
"This is a great day for Ronald McDonald House Charities," said Doug Porter, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI). "This is our fifth home in the Chicagoland area and first in the Western suburbs. We are thrilled to provide a new place for families to stay and connect with others while they're living through some of life's most trying times.
Situated amongst beautifully landscaped walking paths, a reflection pond, and a wooded river basin in the oxbow of the DuPage River, the new Ronald McDonald House will be a comforting 'home away from home' for families in need. Designed by Antunovich Associates, the craftsman style House utilizes natural materials including wood siding, shingles and rustic stone as an extension of its surroundings. The design builds a hierarchy from the low porches, trellises and overhanging roofs upward to high roof peaks and fireplace chimneys.
The House includes 12 guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. Eight rooms feature two queen beds, while the remaining four are suites, with a queen bed, twin bed and pull-out couch. In total, the Ronald McDonald House near Central DuPage Hospital will accommodate 52 people, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
"Being separated from our newborn was excruciatingly painful," said former RMH guest Betsey Doebler. "We knew we needed to be with him in order to ensure he felt loved and safe, and that he received the best care. Ronald McDonald House made it possible, and we were able to be with our little guy every step of the way."
The House is outfitted in earthy tones of green, rust, red and berry, complementing the natural wood floors. Common areas include comfortable living spaces, a spacious dining and kitchen area, fitness center, game room, laundry facilities, an outdoor patio and even a unique putting green, courtesy of the Illinois PGA.
Keeping in mind their youngest guests, the House also features a walk-in toy closet sponsored by longtime supporter Coldwell Banker, where each child can select a toy upon arrival. Multiple play spaces and a game room will also provide hours of entertainment.
Other stand-out features include a whimsical art glass display in the vestibule depicting fond family memories such as rain boots splashing in puddles and a kite flying high from artist Rita Shimelfarb, and a donor wall, created by artist Chris Duh, which features backlit birdhouses with lighting that changes to reflect the time of day.
The $6.3 million project has been financed largely by support from the Cadence Health Foundation, the Cadence Health Auxiliary Board and the Topfer Family Foundation, as well as countless other donors.
The January 18(th) grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony and a balloon release with prominent guests including Val Warner, host of ABC's Windy City Live, Illinois State Senator, Michael Connelly, Northwestern Medicine West Region President Mike Vivoda, as well as Village President Erik Spande, Village of Winfield trustee's Jack Bajor and Tony Reyes and Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce members Dave Sabathne and Patricia Haskins. One very special family will also be in attendance--the Posts--who will be the first family to stay at the new Ronald McDonald House while their 17-month-old son Caleb, receives treatment for ependymoma at the CDH Proton Center.
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House near Central DuPage Hospital and available volunteer opportunities, please fill out an application at http://rmhccni.org.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities(®) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC(®)-CNI):
RMHC-CNI is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to care for families of children with complex medical needs by providing a 'home away from home' while their child is being treated in the hospital. Every night, 153 families heal together because of the comfort, compassion and community at five area Ronald McDonald Houses® and three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®. That's 43,000 nights each year where RMHC-CNI families are able to stay close to their child, helping them to heal faster and saving them more than $7 million in hotel costs.
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SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
