Ronald McDonald House Launches Annual Footsteps for Families Event at Historic Walkway Over the Hudson

Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) has announced that their annual event Footsteps for Families Walk Over the Hudson is officially open for registration. This year's event will take place on Sunday, May 19th. The walk will kick off at 12 pm on the Poughkeepsie side of the bridge in Dutchess County. Participants are encouraged to join the walk and raise funds to help RMHGHV continue supporting families during their child’s critical medical care. Each participant who registers for the event will receive a t-shirt and special gift. There will be family fun activities, face painting, live music, raffles, Spin to Win Prize Wheel and more for all attendees to enjoy. The historic Walkway is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge and is surrounded on both the Poughkeepsie and Highland sides by restaurants, shops, trails and welcomes strollers and leashed dogs.

The Grand Marshal for the event this year is Michael McPike who will kick off the walk with his  family. Michael, who is 17 years old, was airlifted from their home in Dutchess County to the trauma ICU at Westchester Medical Center where he was treated for 39 days. “I got a phone call minutes before midnight that Michael was hit by a car and broke both his legs. The first day we went over to the Ronald McDonald House and applied for a room and spent all 39 days of our journey with them,” said his mom Mary.“We are so grateful to all the staff and volunteers who created a warm and welcoming environment for us to live in during this time. Everyday we had meals, laundry and a listening ear waiting for us. Together as a family we are honored to be a special part of this event and hope to continue to support their events moving forward.” 

Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is hosting this event and encouraging participants to raise funds to help them reach their goal of raising $50,000 which will be used to support families who are coping through their child’s medical crisis. When families must travel far from home to access the medical care their child needs, RMHGHV provides hope, help and a home-away-from-home. Keeping families together and easing some of the emotional and financial burdens they experience when faced with a child's medical crisis.

“This year we are hopeful our community will join us in celebrating local families by participating in this annual event and help us raise funds to continue supporting families when they need it most,said Brittany Moretti, Executive Director of RMHGHV. “When a child is sick the entire family needs comfort and support. Our House keeps families close to their child in their time of need.” To register a team or sponsor Footsteps for Families visit bit.ly/4d4T6TQ For more information about Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley visit www.rmh-ghv.org