WILLEMSTAD, June 10, 2026 – Children must be able to get to the hospital if they need medical care. Yet for many families in Curaçao, transportation remains a significant barrier, leading to missed appointments, interrupted treatments, and reduced family presence during hospitalization. To address this challenge for families in need, Ronald McDonald House has expanded its services with Wheels of Love, a transportation program that helps children and their families travel safely and reliably to and from Curaçao Medical Center (CMC). Transportation is coordinated through Ronald McDonald House Curaçao and CMC’s Pediatric Department, after which enrolled families can schedule rides directly through an app.
A joint assessment by Ronald McDonald House Curaçao and CMC identified transportation as the greatest unmet need among families with sick children. The pilot enabled chronically ill children to continue essential outpatient treatment, with pediatric specialists reporting improved continuity of care and positive health outcomes.
“Access to healthcare starts with being able to get there,” said Claudia Rigaud, Director of Ronald McDonald House Curaçao. “Wheels of Love removes a critical barrier, ensuring children receive the care they need while helping families stay close during their child’s recovery.” The program supports children requiring ongoing medical care, families facing transportation challenges, parents visiting hospitalized children, and community health education initiatives. Wheels of Love is fully funded and supported by our main sponsor Curoil and supporting partners MCB and Baoase.
By improving access to care and strengthening family involvement, Wheels of Love contributes to better health outcomes and a more supportive healing environment for Curaçao’s children.
For more information about Wheels of Love or to support the program, please contact Ronald McDonald House Curaçao: geraldine.penso@ronaldmcdonaldhouse.cw
