Representatives from Ronald McDonald House, Rochester and The Maddie B. Childhood Cancer Foundation joined UR Medicine Thompson Health officials on Mar. 17 to launch the “Thompson Trolley,” a hospitality cart designed to serve pediatric patients at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua.
The initiative aims to provide comfort and support to young patients by offering healthy snacks, refreshments, toys, and books during their hospital stay. This marks the first time Ronald McDonald House, Rochester has introduced its hospitality cart program outside Monroe County.
JoAnne Ryan, RN, MHA, President/CEO of Ronald McDonald House, Rochester said, “Our mission addresses the health care ‘Quintuple Aim’ by improving the overall patient experience and population health, reducing clinician burnout, and reducing costs while increasing quality, and advancing health equity. With the launch of the Thompson Trolley, Ronald McDonald House, Rochester is bringing the supportive care we are known for to a new community.” She described the cart as “hospitality and happiness on wheels.”
The Maddie B. Childhood Cancer Foundation is stocking the cart with toys and books in memory of Madison Kait Barthelmes. Her father John Barthelmes shared that Madison was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age five and spent 300 days in hospitals before passing away at age six in 2023. “No matter what the child is going through, having a toy is going to make a big, big difference, and for the parent, that makes a big, big difference,” he said.
Michael F. Stapleton Jr., President/CEO of Thompson Health and former pediatric ICU nurse said it is especially stressful for children to be hospitalized. He expressed respect for families like the Barthelmes who channel their experiences into helping others.
The Thompson Trolley will be based in the hospital’s Emergency Department—which saw about 3,100 pediatric patients last year—and will also visit other departments such as Surgical Care Center and Birthing Center. The specially built trolley was made by Fisher Price with funding from Paychex Charitable Foundation.
Lisa Fleming of Paychex Charitable Foundation said: “The Paychex Charitable Foundation is proud to support the Thompson Trolley and the important role it will play in enhancing patient care…the trolley reflects our shared commitment to community health and well-being.” Rev. Janice Lum of Thompson’s Spiritual Care Department thanked all involved with making the cart available: she said it “will be there to offer a bit of ‘home’ when they need it most.”
As volunteers begin operating this new service at F.F. Thompson Hospital, organizers hope it will bring comfort not only to young patients but also their families.
