Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) will host a ribbon cutting and celebration to unveil its newly renovated Community Floor, designed to reimagine the communal spaces where families spend time together while their children receive treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
At the center of the celebration will be Theresa and Jaleyah, an RMH-NY family who will cut a gold ribbon symbolizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and honoring the children and families at the heart of RMH-NY’s work. The family’s experience illustrates the importance of the newly renovated spaces: for Jaleyah, an 11-year-old facing relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and her mother Theresa, the House has provided a sense of home and normalcy during a difficult period of treatment. One of the things the family misses most while away from home is a home-cooked meal—making the renovated Family Kitchen and expanded dining spaces especially meaningful.
Multi-award nominated actress Melissa Rauch, best known for “The Big Bang Theory,” and co-founder of Oscar’s Kids – a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and supporting families – will offer remarks and participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting along with RMH-NY President & CEO Lucretia Gilbert, Board members, and community members gathering to celebrate the opening of this transformative new space designed to bring children and families together and strengthen community.
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Actress Melissa Rauch cuts the red ribbon at opening of Ronald McDonald House New York’s new Community Floor, alongside President & CEO Lucretia Gilbert, Board Chair Steven J. Bensinger, Board member, Shelly Friedman, and Chief Operations & Management Officer Wini Cudjoe, and RMH-NY family Jaleyah (child) and Theresa (mother), during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ceremony, held at the House on East 73rd Street, New York, on September 15, 2026, celebrates a long-awaited renovation to enhance the experience of families staying at Ronald McDonald House New York while their children receive treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses.
Image Courtesy of: Kevin Dale Photography
The renovation has transformed the second floor of RMH-NY’s House at 405 East 73rd Street, creating welcoming spaces designed to support the everyday moments that can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly challenging time. The Community Floor includes an expanded Dining Room, a Family Kitchen with four modern cooking stations for families, a Helping Hands Kitchen equipped for on-staff chef and volunteer meal preparation, a Hangout Hub & Play Space featuring a movie and gaming lounge and arts and crafts bar, and the 73rd Street Studio for music and podcasting, as well as family enrichment spaces for homework, tutoring, early childhood play and caregiver support.
WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday, September 15
- 6:00 PM Media availability with RMH-NY President & CEO Lucretia Gilbert and RMH-NY family Jaleyah and Theresa
- 6:15 PM Ribbon cutting and remarks
- 6:30 PM B-roll of newly renovated Community Floor
Ronald McDonald House New York
405 East 73rd Street
New York, NY 10021
BACKGROUND: Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) provides temporary housing and support services for children and families while they receive treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses at nearby hospitals. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 22 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health within the New York City community.
For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org
