Since 1979, children's oncology services ( formerly the boston ronald mcdonald house ) has served as a home-away-from-home for children with cancer and their families. as an essential part of their overall care, the house provides its guests with low-cost and convenient accomodations in a safe and comfortable home-like setting. here, children, families and caregivers find comfort and support among staff, volunteers and other families facing the life-changing realities of childhood cancer and other life-threatening hematological illnesses.