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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Ronald McDonald House Spokane celebrates 30 years

Chase Thompson, of Troy, Idaho, along with his family, has received help from the Spokane Ronald McDonald House during his battle with leukemia. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Chase Thompson, of Troy, Idaho, along with his family, has received help from the Spokane Ronald McDonald House during his battle with leukemia. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

On April 27, 1987, Spokane’s Ronald McDonald House opened its doors, offering shelter, food and support to families with children in medical crisis.

In the past 30 years, more than 13,000 families from across the Inland Northwest have found refuge within its welcoming walls.

“While each family has a different story, they all share the need for a safe, comfortable place to call home,” said Mike Forness, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane.

Chase Thompson and his family are among them. Last week, he and his father stopped by the McDonald House after Chase’s chemotherapy treatment at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

“I spent a lot of time here,” said Chase, 18.

His transformation from healthy, active teenager to cancer patient happened quickly/Cindy Hval, SR. More here.



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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