The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is on the campus of the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. The house is just steps away from the Maria Fareri Children”™s Hospital and provides temporary housing and support services for families while their critically ill children are receiving treatment.
On Sept. 24, Ronald McDonald House hosted the third annual Dylan J. Hoffman Memorial Walk in honor of the brief life of Dylan, who had been a guest there while undergoing treatment at Maria Fareri. The clown Ronald McDonald was on hand to lead a stroll around the medical center”™s campus and there were games for children, crafts, face painting, music and a barbecue organized by members of the Yonkers Fire Department.
Just two days before, The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester and the Ronald McDonald House announced a partnership that includes free daily gym memberships for families staying at the house. They now are invited to use the White Plains YMCA for workouts, swimming and exercise classes at no charge.
“We hope coming to the White Plains YMCA for a swim, a game of basketball or another one of our many activities will ease some of the enormous stress they are experiencing,” said Cynthia Rubino, president and CEO, YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester.
Terence Hughes, executive director of the house, said, “This is a wonderful addition to the support services that we provide to the families who are staying with us while their children are receiving treatment.”
