Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro (RMHC NYM) held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for its new house, to be built on the Stony Brook Medicine campus yesterday, to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for families of children who are receiving medical care at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Construction is set to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2026.

This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. 

The 3-story, 60,000 sq. ft. building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, a community kitchen providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.  

“We’ve been planning this for 10 years and now we’re finally able to provide for families in Suffolk County the way they need,” said Matt Campo, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “All of our programs provide a place for families to rest and recharge so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.” 

"This facility will stand as a beacon of hope, compassion and support for families facing their toughest challenges," said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Interim Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine."Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities highlights the strength of collaboration, and I am delighted to be joining our resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of our community."

“The soon to be built Ronald McDonald House will be able to serve as a respite for patients and families whose infant or child is ill by offering a place to stay, food to eat, and a place to rest and recharge that is in close proximity to the hospital,” said Carol Gomes, CEO, Stony Brook University Hospital. “There is nothing more cherished than the ability to be able to focus on the care of your child without having to worry about daily life logistics.” 

“It’s been a labor of love recruiting the financial support to make this house a reality,” said Cynthia Lippe, Chair, RMHC NYM Stony Brook House Fundraising Committee. “Our entire committee is proud of our work and know we have the momentum to raise the final funds to open the house to the public.” 

About Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro 

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) provides free lodging, meals, and emotional support to keep families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.

About Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

With 104 beds, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital. Part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Children’s has more than 180 pediatric specialists in 30 specialties. The hospital is Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center and Level 1 Regional Pediatric Trauma Center. It is home to the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and also offers a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Center, Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Center, Healthy Weight and Wellness Center, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center. To learn more, visit stonybrookchildrens.org.