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History
The concept of providing a home away from home for families of children with cancer and other serious illnesses began in Philadelphia in 1973, when Fred Hill, an Eagles football player, learned that his daughter had leukemia. Hill contacted team General Manager Jim Murray and together they joined forces with the medical and business community and local McDonald Restaurant owners and operators. In 1974 the first Ronald McDonald House opened its doors" today our houses are located throughout the United States, Canada, and the world. In the spring of 1987, Joe Foley galvanized a group of individuals to form Stand By Me, Inc. From 1987 until RMH opened its doors in May 1995, the Stand By Me Board of Directors worked tirelessly in their focus to establish a home away from home for families to stay while their critically ill children received care in the Portland area.

The following group of individuals was instrumental in laying the foundation for what is now realized as the Ronald McDonald House of Portland, Maine, Inc.: Joe Foley, Meredith Burgess, Trevor Vickers, Bruce Leddy, Betty Lewis, Jane Amero, John Thaxter, Karen Mantai, Tom Walton, Steve Goble, John Maragus, Elizabeth Karasopoulos, Maribeth Hourihan, Sheila Peabody, Susan B. Soule, Donna Cook, Polly Larned, Peter Guidi, Kathleen Hanson, Sam Henderson, Janet Houghton, Liz Groves, Paul Dyment, Bob Paciulan, Julie Russem, Thomas Newman, Patricia Todorich, Margaret Nygren, Claudia Raessler, Clarence LaLiberty, Sue Ellen Roper McClain, Michael Curci, Edie Lydick, and Joan Roux.

In May 1995, the dream was fulfilled. Through the hard work and efforts of the Stand By Me Board of Directors, McDonald's Restaurants Owner/Operators, caring individuals, the medical community, faith-based groups, the business community, foundations, state government personnel, and civic organizations, the Ronald McDonald House of Portland, Maine, Inc., opened its doors. Architect Scott Simons was responsible for designing the comfortable atmosphere and Pochebit Construction for building this 16,200 square foot dwelling.

Looking for support and inspiration? Click here for stories from our families.