The first Ronald McDonald House, co-founded by CHOP’s Dr. Audrey Evans, opened in Philadelphia in 1974. A movie written and produced by a Philadelphia native was recently released depicting her life on the big screen.
In 1974, Eagles tight-end Fred Hill’s daughter, Kim, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Fred and his wife, Fran, slept on hospital chairs while Kim was hospitalized so they could stay with their daughter while she received treatment. Hotels were costly, so Fred decided to rally the support of his teammates to raise funds to help other families experiencing the same hardships.
Oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans had the idea of a house that could serve as a temporary residence for families of children being treated at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Jim Murray, owner Leonard Tose, and McDonald’s regional manager Ed Rensi collaborated to fulfill Evans’ dream of opening the house.
McDonald’s donated the proceeds from the sale of Shamrock Shakes, which gave the first Ronald McDonald House its name. In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia.
Dr. Evans changed the field of pediatric oncology through her work. She became the first Chief of the Division of Oncology at CHOP and is known as the “Mother of Neuroblastoma” for her breakthroughs in treating this rare form of cancer.
Recently, a movie was developed about Dr. Evans called “Audrey’s Children”.
The movie is set in Philadelphia in 1969. It tells the true story of Dr. Evans, her work to advance pediatric cancer breakthroughs, fight against sexism, and eventually, founding a charity that still helps families and children with pediatric cancer today.
“She had incredible energy and was an incredible human. It’s just an absolute joy, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play such a person,” said actress Natalie Dormer, who portrays Dr. Evans in the movie.
During the course of making the film, Dormer was able to meet Dr. Evans.
“I gave Audrey a kiss and I held her hand. To have that access and her blessing, I was just profoundly affected by the whole thing,” Dormer recalled.
The film was written and produced by a Philadelphia native, Julia Fisher Farbman. Farbman was a close friend of Dr. Evans.
“She said to me, ‘You can do this movie if you promise me that it will make a difference in the lives of children, even after I’m gone,” Farbman said.
Production for the movie began in 2022 before Evans passed away at 97 years old. The movie was released in theatres on March 28th of this year.
“This is meant to tell this incredible woman’s story,” Director Ami Canaan Mann said of the film. “She’s sort of a lone star for how to walk through the world and remind us that maybe, in our own way, we can make a bit of a difference.”
Dr. Evans once said, “I was given a mission, and the ability to serve it. To make a difference in the lives of children.
Since its founding in Philadelphia, the Ronald McDonald House Charity has grown to serve through over 380 chapters in more than 62 countries and regions. The houses continue to be a place where families can stay with their children as they receive quality healthcare.
