From Disney Day to Super Bowl Parties to April Fool’s Day, there are always activities for our families to get creative, have fun, and take their minds off whatever situations they may be going through. Programs like these don’t come to life overnight; they require thoughtful planning and committed volunteers.
Before moving to and attending medical school at UW-Madison, Joe Kim was a Family Activities Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Southeastern MN & Western WI. He served families through House activities, creating memories and connections that were meaningful for both the families and the volunteers. During this time, Joe also built relationships with families by listening to their stories and learning about the difficult medical journeys they faced.
This time made a big impact on Joe. Stepping away from his textbooks allowed him to connect with families and better understand the experiences of the patients and families he would one day serve. When he moved to Madison, he wanted to help provide these same opportunities for other medical students at UW-Madison and in turn, create more meaningful moments for families staying at the House.
Fortunately, Ronald McDonald House Madison hosts several family programming activities each month. In 2026, Joe expressed his interest in contributing to family programs with the help of his fellow medical students. This led to the creation of the Ronald McDonald House Events And Recreation Team (RM-HEART).
RM-HEART created an opportunity for students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health to plan and host themed events for families staying at the House.
In the beginning, events took place a few nights each semester and consisted of board games, sweet treats, and prizes. But as word spread, more students became interested, and the program evolved again.
Much like Joe’s own experience, RM-HEART students have meaningful conversations with families who share their stories and express how much these lighthearted events mean to them. For the families, these nights provide a time for connection, joy, and laughter; and for the students, they offer real-world experience as they grow into physicians for the future.
Joe is excited to grow the impact of RM-HEART and extend its legacy within the walls of the House and out in the community. You can support RM-HEART and our other family programming through donations, including toys, crafting supplies, games, and financial support. Each donation helps this incredible program to create memories and build lasting connections.
Ronald McDonald House Madison is a place where community thrives, not only among the families staying at the House, but also between students, volunteers, and everyone who helps make it more than just a place to stay. Together, they help make our House a home-away-from-home for every family we serve.