Naples, April 10, 2026 – A significant project designed to transform the support system for families of pediatric patients in Southern Italy is underway. The first Ronald McDonald House in Southern Italy is set to open in Naples, offering free accommodation to parents whose children are receiving treatment at the Federico II university hospital, ensuring they can remain close to their loved ones during their medical journey.
A Haven for Families in Need
“The Ronald McDonald House within the hospital is a dedicated space for the families and caregivers of young patients, meticulously designed to provide comfort and support throughout the treatment process,” stated the initiative’s promoters in an official statement. The Federico II Polyclinic has already allocated specific areas within the hospital for the future Ronald McDonald House.
Giuseppe Pisani, President of Casa Ronald McDonald Italia, expressed his profound emotion regarding the project. “This project deeply moves me and holds immense value due to its anticipated impact, not just locally but nationally, offering a tangible solution to healthcare mobility challenges,” Pisani declared. “As a native of Campania, the fact that the first Ronald McDonald House in the South will be established in Naples fills me with immense pride. Naples is an extraordinary city, renowned for its excellent medical care and its capacity for great generosity. I am confident that the city will rally behind this initiative. The Ronald McDonald House at Federico II Polyclinic will transcend being merely an accommodation facility; it will be a sanctuary where families can find understanding and support during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. It will also offer spaces for parents to continue their work and areas for visiting grandparents and siblings.”
Fundraising Efforts Underway
To garner support for this vital project, Casa Ronald McDonald Italia is organizing a special fundraising event. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 PM, the event will commence with a reception at the Teatro di San Carlo. This will be followed at 8:00 PM by “Soirée Balanchine,” a captivating dance performance featuring an orchestra, étoiles, soloists, and the ballet corps of the Teatro di San Carlo, under the direction of Renato Zanella. The program will include choreographies dedicated to masterworks of international repertoire, accompanied by music from Tchaikovsky, Janáček, Stravinsky, Mascagni, Massenet, and Beethoven.
Collaboration for Patient Well-being
Elvira Bianco, General Director of the Federico II university hospital, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “The forthcoming opening of a Ronald McDonald House at our institution signifies a crucial commitment to the well-being of hospitalized children and their families,” Bianco affirmed. “Ensuring that parents can remain close to their children throughout their treatment journey underscores our dedication to prioritizing the welfare of our young patients. This initiative exemplifies how collaboration between institutions and the non-profit sector can create a significant positive impact, establishing a supportive and tangible network of assistance.”
The establishment of the Ronald McDonald House in Naples marks a pivotal step in enhancing the support infrastructure for families facing the challenges of pediatric illness in Southern Italy, embodying a beacon of hope and solidarity.
Source: https://www.ansa.it/campania/notizie/2026/04/10/nasce-a-napoli-la-prima-casa-ronald-mcdonald-del-sud-italia_4bd08ca0-e592-4001-be24-ad7e58adab85.html
