Duke in Pictures: Ronald McDonald House Expansion

Duke's Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, director of the pediatric stem cell transplant program, greets patient Jameson Howard, 7, as his parents Dawn and Alex Howard, look on at the opening Tuesday of the expanded Ronald McDonald House on Alexander Avenue.

The expansion will take the house from 29 to 55 bedrooms, almost doubling the capacity to serve families whose critically ill children are being treated at nearby hospitals.  It opened in 1980 as a housing program for families that must travel long distances for their children to receive treatment. 

Over the past three decades, the need for more space has increased.  Staff and faculty from Duke Medicine, Facilities and Athletics contributed to and supported the expansion project. 

Bottom at the ribbon-cutting ceremony reopening the expanded facility: From left are Duke Professor Dr. John Falletta, founding board member; Karen King, retired president, McDonald's East Division; Ric Richards, president, board of trustees; Oie Osterkamp, executive director (foreground), patient Angelina Hilos, 8; Dr. Joseph St. Geme, chair of department of pediatrics; Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg; NC Gov. Bev Perdue and Johnny Moore.

Photos by Jared Lazarus/Duke University Photography