Pediatric Cancer Research

Testimonials

Dear Foundation:

"If you build it, they will come." A beautiful and memorable line from the movie Field of Dreams.

On October 15,1974, the first Ronald McDonald House was dedicated and open in Philadelphia, PA. A major part of the miracle was the involvement of John and Joan Canuso and their family. Their fittle girl. Babe, had contracted cancer and was being treated by world renowned oncologist. Dr. Audrey Evans, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The miracle included a great team of diverse people, starting with another little girl, Kim Hill, daughter of Eagles tight end Fred Hill. She was being treated at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Under the blessing of Eagles owner Leonard Toss, the Eagles embraced a charity formed by Fred and his friend and neighbor, Stan Lane, called Eagles Fly for Leukemia.

The Canuso Foundation and family have been integral parts of building the first houses in both Philadelphia and Camden. The incredible gifts of the Canuso family far exceed construction. The complete dedication and involvement of John and Joan Canuso, their seven children and 21 grandchildren can be described as nothing short of miraculous. After 36 years of physically building the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, the second Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, and the Ronald McDonald House in Camden, they have provided kids with cancer or family members who have been affected with the disease, with over 60 scholarships to Villanova University.

Although Babe has gone to heaven, her children and their cousins have expanded the foundation to include Babe's Kids, in order to pursue even higher goals and more projects.

Literally, the Ronald McDonald House is the House that Babe built. God bless you and all the lives you have touched,

Jim Murray

President
Co-Founder Ronald McDonald House Program