Creating a Legacy of Love: The Ronald McDonald House® of Cleveland Founders’ Story

Forty years ago, the Ronald McDonald House® of Cleveland opened its doors, providing a welcoming and supportive place to stay for families whose children receive treatment at area medical centers. It was a passionate group of parents, medical professionals and friends who worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life.

Through poignant stories, memories and photos, the House’s founding families share how their personal experiences, combined with community grass roots support, fueled the mission. “No family should go through this,” founder Michael Clegg recalls feeling during his four-year-old’s son struggle with cancer. Fellow families at the hospital were exhausted and unable to make critical decisions, emotionally and often financially stressed by their experiences. A Ronald McDonald House could make a huge difference, but it would take a committed group to make it happen.

“Our organization has always been a roll-up-your-sleeves type of organization. People were there because it meant something to them,” says founding trustee Ron Kahn. “It was a really big idea, and there were a lot of moving parts to getting it established,” adds his wife and founder Susan Kahn, “so it’s hugely gratifying to walk in and say, ‘wow, we did a good thing.’”

But it has always been more than just a place to stay, according to Nancy Kirchner, founder. “I don’t think there’s anyone’s life that hasn’t been touched by someone who has had a sick child. There’s no politics, there’s no religion, there’s nothing to separate you, only to bring you together as parents and as families. That’s the common bond.”

Because of the vision, passion and hard work of the founding families, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland has been keeping families together and near the care their children need since 1979. This is their story: a legacy of love.