Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith's Foundation, Keith Relief, Partners With Ronald McDonald House Charities® in Support of World's Largest House in Chicago

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Cup Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith and his wife Kelly-Rae, have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana  (RMHC-CNI) on behalf of their foundation, Keith Relief, to sponsor a transplant floor in RMHC-CNI's new Chicago House.

The Keiths' partnership will benefit the new, world's largest Ronald McDonald House which is currently under construction at 211 E. Grand in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. Located near the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the 14-story House will have 86 rooms to provide care and comfort for the families of hospitalized children each and every day of the year. Keith Relief will sponsor one of the two special transplant floors of the new House, dedicated to pediatric transplant patients and their families. With a full kitchen, as well as a refrigerator and television in each room, both floors are specifically designed to meet the needs of families whose children need to stay near the hospital post-transplant for up to three months following surgery. In addition, Keith Relief will co-brand the charity's infamous Ronald Van, which is onsite at every RMHC-CNI event and is seen extensively throughout the Chicagoland area.

Keith and Kelly-Rae founded their organization in 2011 after receiving expensive medical bills following a surgical procedure Kelly-Rae endured. Realizing that hefty medical bills are something that many families are burdened with, the couple started their foundation in an effort to assist families and individuals suffering from medical crises. With the current economic crisis in mind, Keith Relief also aims to help those who do not have proper access to health insurance, in addition to the charitable work they do in their home away from home, Chicago.

"Ronald McDonald House Charities is such a great organization and we are proud to support their cause," said Keith. "We love Chicago, and Keith Relief has allowed us to give back to the city and people who have welcomed us with open arms."

"Everyone in Chicago has treated us so well, so we are thrilled to help out," Kelly-Rae added. "The transplant floor at the new Ronald McDonald House will provide the comfort and care that these families so desperately need during this difficult time."

Always located in close proximity to major children's hospitals, RMHC-CNI provides a "home away from home" for families of pediatric patients being cared for in area hospitals, while also proactively reaching out to children in need with mobile medical care and educational opportunities.

"We are honored to have Duncan Keith and his foundation in partnership with us," said Doug Porter, CEO of RMHC-CNI. "We are so glad that he is using his stature in the community to help families in need, and this partnership will make a significant difference for the new Ronald McDonald House in Chicago."

The world's largest Ronald McDonald House is scheduled to open in June 2012. RMHC-CNI is committed to helping the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana community by keeping families together when they need it most. It is with the generous support of sponsors and other charitable organizations, that they are able to make this possible.

About Keith Relief:

Keith Relief was founded in 2011 by Chicago Blackhawks Defenseman Duncan Keith and his wife, Kelly-Rae. The charity is dedicated to alleviating the financial and emotional burdens of families and individuals suffering from medical crisis. For more information visit: http://www.duncankeith.com/keith-relief/

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI):

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) is to improve the health, well-being and education of children through our four core programs:

• Our 4 Ronald McDonald Houses provide a 'home away from home' to keep families close while their children are being treated at a nearby hospital.
• Our Ronald McDonald Family Room program opening next year providing hospitality in the heart of Edward Hospital.
• Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, in partnership with Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, provides essential health services to children in underserved areas in a mobile environment.
• Our Scholarship Program provides $4,000/year renewable scholarships to academically outstanding, community-minded and economically challenged young people.

For more information visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana