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With 12 bedrooms, a large dine-in kitchen and a family room on every level, the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines prides itself on being a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children who are being treated at Des Moines hospitals.

“It’s hard to imagine what they are going through, and I think what makes it nice for them is having a place like this,” said Brenda Miller, the local charity’s executive director. “It’s a safe haven, it’s a refuge, it’s somewhere they can come and share their stories with other people that are going through similar instances. Their stories might be a little different, but they are all going through the same thing and they can pull strength from each other, and I think that in itself has got to be healing to the families on some level – to just be able to recharge physically, mentally and emotionally before going back to the hospital to endure what they need to endure.”

The home, which opened in August 1989, was the first and only Ronald McDonald House in Iowa until ones opened in Iowa City and Sioux City. Now, the Des Moines house is one of 284 homes located in 30 countries.

Miller said the families who stay in the house must have children 21 years old or younger who are receiving treatment. The house asks for a $10 per night fee, which can be waived if the family is unable to pay, and can provide the family with shuttle service to and from the hospitals.

“We all know that these are difficult times financially, and no one feels the impact harder than the families we have staying at the house,” Miller said.

“Imagine if we had never been established near the hospitalized children; many of these families could never afford the gasoline it would take to make the weekly trip, so it’s a godsend.”

The Ronald McDonald House, which Miller said receives the majority of its funding through fund-raisers, will host its ninth annual Run for Ronald on May 16 at 8 a.m. at Blank Park Zoo.

“With many we can accomplish a lot,” Miller said. “It just takes a little bit from everyone.”