Nash Griswold Throws First Pitch at The Stony Brook School Boys Varsity Baseball Game

In a poignant celebration of his resilience and strength, Nash threw out the first pitch at The Stony Brook School’s boys varsity baseball game on his 7th birthday. Nash helped to shine a light on our efforts to build a new Ronald McDonald House near Suffolk County's only children's hospital.

On April 20, 2024, The Stony Brook School hosted Ronald McDonald House Charitie (RMHC) New York Metro and welcomed the Griswold family (Centereach, NY): Jessica and Chris, accompanied by their three spirited children, Nash (7), Colton (9), and Jaxson (11). In 2017, Jessica and Chris rushed to the emergency room at Stony Brook Medicine with their 3-month-old son, Nash. Nash was not successfully feeding and was having trouble breathing. For three months, Nash’s family used the RMHC NYM Family Rooms and stayed bedside.  

Thousands of families every year use Ronald McDonald House Charities programs and services across the globe. Over 90% of all children’s hospitals worldwide are home to at least one Ronald McDonald House program. 

Nash’s symbolic first pitch symbolizes hope and togetherness for all families who have experienced the pain of having a sick child in the hospital. Stony Brook Children’s Hospital has been an advocate for families and family-centered care since the beginning. The two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and the Stony Brook Hospital NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) have served over 20,000 families since opening in 2013 and 2022, respectively. The new House aims to provide more spaces for families to eat, sleep, rest, and recharge.  

“Having a [Ronald McDonald] House that they can go to and get some respite time and see their family […] is huge.”

– Paula Mirabito, RN at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

Just ten days after Nash’s pitch at The Stony Brook School, RMHC held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ronald McDonald House. This ceremony marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for families in Suffolk County.  

“Having parents at the bedside is really such an integral part to helping children heal and recover from their illness. And the longer that they stay in the hospital the greater the need is for them […] but also [to] have the opportunity for respite in a place like Ronald McDonald House [allows families to] be strong and as helpful as possible in the care of their children.”

– Lesley Small-Harary, MD at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

The first step in building the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook is to clear the site and begin construction, which is planned for later this year. The House is slated to open in 2026 and will feature 30 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a fitness center, movie theater, playrooms and several communal kitchens. The new House will be a haven for families, just a short walk from Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

Thanks to our generous supporters, Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro has already raised $24.4 million towards our Capital Campaign for the Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook. However, we still need an additional $5.6 million to help us reach our goal of $30 million. Help us deliver on our promise to care for and support more families in Suffolk County. 

Get involved by hosting an event for the Capital Campaign or getting in touch to learn more.

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