When a child is battling cancer, the entire family joins the fight. For the Lansdell family from near Rome, Georgia, that fight began in August 2023 when their son Levi—just three years old at the time—was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Levi’s treatment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite required intense, months-long chemotherapy. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, the family found comfort and hope at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House.
“We are so very grateful to the employees. We formed a lot of bonds,” said Zach Lansdell. “They really poured a lot of love into our family at a time when we needed it the most.”
The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) offers a no-cost, supportive home for families who must travel over 50 miles for their child’s medical care. With two locations near Atlanta’s pediatric hospitals, ARMHC helps families stay together and close to the care their child needs.
The Lansdells leaned on more than just the lodging. Levi loved the playhouse—nicknamed the “Magic Tree House” after his favorite book series—and looked forward to the stuffed animals in his room. The simple joys and sense of normalcy brought much needed light into the family’s days.
“We always had a lot of great adventures at the Ronald McDonald House,” Zach recalled. “We met a lot of great people and shared common experiences with other families with children going through similar illnesses.”
A Growing Need, A Bigger Home
With demand rising—86% of families served are from Georgia—ARMHC is expanding. A new $90 million Ronald McDonald House is under construction at the Arthur M. Blank Hospital – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, set to open on December 11.
This new five-story house will nearly double capacity and offer:
- 98 guest rooms and 18 transplant suites
- An expanded dining room
- A five-story indoor play area
- An outdoor discovery garden
- A prep and feeding room designed with Marcus Autism Center
It will also be the first Ronald McDonald House in the Southeast located directly on a hospital campus, making care even more accessible for families.
Meals That Heal—and Hearts That Care
While ARMHC provides shelter, it’s the people who make it a true home.
Through the “Meals That Heal” program, thousands of volunteers serve homemade meals to families staying at the House. Volunteers don’t just cook—they eat alongside the families, offering conversation, comfort, and connection.
Mary Stockstill, who has led a volunteer team from Novelis since 2017, said the program resonates deeply with her colleagues.
“This just absolutely hit everyone in the heart,” she said. “We have so many people who were looking for an opportunity to give back.”
The Novelis team has contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours, preparing meals from scratch twice a month and forming lasting bonds with the families they serve.
Healing, Hope, and a Bright Future
Today, the Lansdells are celebrating brighter days. Levi is in remission, has finished preschool, and is playing baseball. The family also welcomed a baby girl and is filled with gratitude for the support they received.
“For [ARMHC] to accept that burden on your behalf and give you a place to stay that’s not only affordable but clean, safe, fun, and provides a comfortable environment for your child to heal—it really meant a lot to our family,” Zach said.
With nearly all of the $90 million for the new house raised—just $5.5 million to go—the community has a chance to help write the next chapter in ARMHC’s legacy of care.
To learn more, donate, or explore naming opportunities, visit ronaldmcdonaldhouseatl.org/about/our-new-house or contact: marissa.greider@armhc.org