Councilwoman Suzie Price, her staff and their families took time on a recent Saturday morning to cook breakfast for the families staying at the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House serves as a home away from home for families of children undergoing treatment for cancer or other life-threating illnesses at Miller Children's Hospital and other nearby hospitals and medical facilities. The LBRMH gives families a place to stay, a source of comfort, care and support, and a chance to focus all of their energies on the one thing that matters most of all, getting well.

Complex chronic disease patients, especially those with less common or rare conditions, sometimes find a hospital becomes their second home because they return repeatedly for multiple procedures or treatments. Those families can notify the LBRMH when their child is coming in for treatment, and arrangements can be made to accommodate them.

Juvenile cancer cases traditionally have a great need for hospital care, particularly when first diagnosed and a child is undergoing initial treatments. That can be a time of tremendous distress to both children and their families, so having a place to stay near the hospital is vital.

The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House receives funding and support from McDonalds with the remaining support coming from the generosity of the community. Through the gifts of time, talent, and financial support, the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House is able to provide housing, meals, and support for the families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.