Ronald McDonald: picture of Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald is a clown character used as the primary mascot of the McDonald's fast-food restaurant chain. In television commercials, the clown inhabits a fantasy world called McDonaldland, and has adventures with his friends Mayor McCheese, the Hamburglar, Grimace, Birdie the Early Bird, and The Fry Kids. In recent years, McDonaldland has been largely phased out, and Ronald is instead shown interacting with normal kids in their everyday lives.

Many people work full-time making appearances in the Ronald McDonald costume, visiting children in hospitals. There are also Ronald McDonald Houses, where parents can stay overnight when visiting sick children in nearby chronic care facilities. Since August 2003, McDonald has been officially styled as the "Chief Happiness Officer" of the McDonald's Corporation.With a presence in every state RMHC creates, finds and supports programs that help seriously ill children and their families live happier healthier lives.

No one is ever prepared for the devastating news that their child is seriously ill. It’s an emotionally draining time for the whole family. Help from RMHC comes in various forms, at various stages in the child’s health journey, and over an extended period of time.