Good, you’re still here.  Last week I was back working with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago-Northern Indiana on their countdown to the opening of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House.  We were lucky enough to secure the services of America’s favorite clown to help us out with day 50 in front of the flagship “Rock ‘n Roll” Mcdonald’s store downtown.  The owner operators of that location Ralph and Marilyn Wright are huge supporters of RMH-CNI, along with many of their colleagues within the ranks of McDonald’s franchise owner/operators.  In fact, the very first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia was opened with the support of the local owner/operators.

To find out how you can help support the countdown as well as the mission of RMH-CNI, please visit their site at www.Ronaldhousechicago.org

Marie is the mother of 8 year old Lexi (scroll down) and a recent guest of the Ronald McDonald House near Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Our two boys, Jack & Conner made the countdown on Easter Sunday…..

Nancy Heap and Soo Shim are two of Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Family Services counselors, who help place families coming to Children’s Memorial at the House so they are able to enjoy a “home away from home” while their children are receiving treatment at the hospital.

8 year old Lexi is a recent guest of the house, in addition to being a healthy cancer survivor!

81 days to go and today’s Ronald McDonald House countdown features Michelle Hittenmiller, the head pastry chef at Molly’s Cupcakes in Chicago. Depsite the fact that her t-shirt says she doesn’t like to share, Michelle is a generous supporter of the current Ronald McDonald House near Children’s Memorial Hospital, often donating her ridiculously tasty cupcake creations to the House kitchen.  Since the new House in near the Lurie Children’s Hospital will have more than 4 times the capacity of the current House, Michelle might need to invest in a bigger oven and increase her sprinkle capacity!

Well it’s actually already begun.  A few weeks ago I spent a day photographing a variety of subjects to help Ronald McDonald Charities of Chicago/Northern Indiana countdown the final 86 days (there are 86 rooms in the new House) leading up to the opening of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House.

Today the countdown features 6 year old House guest Ethan, who flew all the way from Alaska to stay in the House.  To learn more about the new Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald House charities, and see the other faces who are helping to count down to the grand opening, check out the countdown site at www.rmhccni.org/86daycountdown