On May 21, 2026, Ronald McDonald House Belgium welcomed partners, experts and families to
its House in Jette for a warm and meaningful evening.
At the heart of the event was one key
question: what truly makes a difference when a child is hospitalized?
The answer was unanimous, supported by both science and lived experience:
the presence of family is essential.
During the panel discussion “A child in hospital?
How the presence of family makes all the difference”, Dr. Julie Lefevere (Head of Neonatology at UZ Brussel) and Lien De Proost (postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven) shared their insights.
Their message was clear: family-centered care is not an add-on, but a fundamental part of high-quality care for vulnerable children.
Research shows that when parents are actively involved:
As Julie Lefevere puts it:
“Family-centered care is not a soft approach — it is quality care.”
Lien De Proost added the parents’ perspective, drawing from her research on prematurity and
intensive care. She emphasized that good care goes beyond medical outcomes — it also includes proximity, recognition and long-term support for families.
On May 21, 2026, Ronald McDonald House Belgium welcomed partners, experts and families to
its House in Jette for a warm and meaningful evening.
At the heart of the event was one key
question: what truly makes a difference when a child is hospitalized?
The answer was unanimous, supported by both science and lived experience:
the presence of family is essential.
During the panel discussion “A child in hospital?
How the presence of family makes all the difference”, Dr. Julie Lefevere (Head of Neonatology at UZ Brussel) and Lien De Proost (postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven) shared their insights.
Their message was clear: family-centered care is not an add-on, but a fundamental part of high-quality care for vulnerable children.
Research shows that when parents are actively involved:
As Julie Lefevere puts it:
“Family-centered care is not a soft approach — it is quality care.”
Lien De Proost added the parents’ perspective, drawing from her research on prematurity and
intensive care. She emphasized that good care goes beyond medical outcomes — it also includes proximity, recognition and long-term support for families.
Alongside the scientific insights, it was the testimony of a family that deeply resonated with the
audience.
Their story made it clear how the Ronald McDonald House became a safe haven during a period of uncertainty and intense emotions.
They describe the House as:
Their story shows what statistics alone cannot capture:
the real-life impact of proximity on families.
The panel brought together clinical, ethical and personal perspectives — showing how they
reinforce each other.
While hospitals focus on medical care, Ronald McDonald House makes family presence possible
by:
The evening also marked the launch of a new visual identity a step forward that remains
rooted in the same mission: allow families to stay close to their child
Because when a child is ill,
being close is not a luxury.
It is a necessity.
Een avond die écht het verschil maakt.
Steun gezinnen met een ziek kind en beleef een inspirerende avond vol warmte, verbinding en solidariteit.
