NOVEMBER 2018
From Our House to Yours “They came raring bright and early, but not quite ready yet... both weighed 2.5 lbs. It was the happiest and scariest day of our lives.” Amanda and Kyle Larson first met their
McDonald House where a room became
24, 2017 – the exact day the two had
Broadway.
twins, Brayden and Joslyn, on February gotten engaged five years prior. Though
available at the former North House on
Larson F amily 106 Nig hts
Brayden and Joslyn were born early at
Preterm labor started when Amanda
tubes, and heart/oxygen monitors,
awaiting their arrival.
admitted into the hospital and given meds
home. Amanda said, “Leaving them at the
was one day shy of 27 weeks. She was
Amanda and Kyle couldn’t take them
to help stop the contractions which made
hospital every night for 3 months about
her terribly sick, but thankfully worked.
broke my heart.”
family after which they tried IVF (In vitro
Brayden and Joslyn were born eight days
Furthermore, they said, “We were focused
were overjoyed to find out they were
Amanda shared that, “As a new mom
trying to learn all this new medical jargon
new baby and hold them for the first time.
while Kyle also traveled back and forth to
for 8 hours after birth and was not able to
Kyle owns a painting business in Williston
28 weeks, the Larsons had been long
Amanda and Kyle of Williston, ND, tried
for three and a half years to expand their fertilization) at Sanford in Fargo. They expecting twins in September 2016.
When Amanda was 22 weeks along, the Larsons learned their babies would be
born early. Since Williston does not have a
NICU, the couple relocated to Fargo at the
later at 28 weeks. Of the experience,
on the health and care of our children,
you want nothing more than to meet your
and understand their needs and care,
Unfortunately, I was not able to see them
Williston to keep things going at work.”
hold them until 24-48 hours later.”
and would often make the 811 mile round
end of January completely unsure when
The next few months were very difficult
later, they were connected to the Ronald
attached to breathing machines, feeding
they would return home. A short time
for the Larsons. Since their babies were
trip.
In total, Amanda and Kyle stayed at
RMHC for 3 ½ months. During this time, Continued on pg. 2
Continued from pg. 1 RMHC was a place of comfort, security, and calm. The Larsons appreciated
our stays and were so glad to have met each other.” The family got together
home-cooked meals and said, “Having
volunteers cook meals was so wonderful.
It’s such a difficult time for families and not having to worry about cooking on top of everything else was so great.”
The Larsons were grateful for how close RMHC was to the NICU and said, “We
with the Dockter family (who also had
twins in the NICU and stayed at RMHC) for a fun outing at the Minot Zoo in Minot, ND.
Finally, the Larsons were able to take Brayden and Joslyn home on May 5,
2017 (their actual due date)! Amanda
were able to spend as much time as
possible with our babies; holding, reading, singing, snuggling... This helped with
and Kyle had a huge mix of emotions including, “relieved, happy, excited, exhausted, and terrified.”
bonding and providing consistent love
and care, which helps babies to grow and develop.”
Today, 20 months later, the Larsons
feel, “Beyond blessed that [Brayden and Joslyn] are happy, healthy and thriving.”
Additionally, the Larsons also gained
stability and support from other families going through a similar situation. The
two families “had lots in common during
On top of that, there is extra cause to
celebrate as the Larsons are expecting baby #3 in February 2019!
A Note from Jill Christopher Executive Director As we approach the end of 2018, I could sum up our year at RMHC with just one word – JOY. This year has been the culmination of our biggest dream to date at RMHC Fargo with the opening of our new Ronald McDonald House, but that is just a part of the amazing work that has been done this year. I have so many great memories this year of volunteers, events, and the families we serve. As we head into the holiday season, I am looking forward to reflecting with gratefulness at Thanksgiving and putting up holiday decorations for the first time which will, OF COURSE, include red and white stockings on the fireplace. If you haven’t had a chance to see our new Ronald McDonald House, please stop by and get a tour. We love visitors! I appreciate your continued support of our mission – both with your monetary donations and your volunteer time. Thank you for keeping our families in your thoughts and supporting them through the holiday season and throughout the year. You are making such a difference for the families we serve and we could not do what we do without each one of you! With a heart full of gratitude,
Jill R. Christopher Executive Director
2
Thank You! BOARD OF DIRECTORS We couldn’t do what we do without the help of a wonderful volunteer Board of Directors! The
Jean Zimmerman
Brad Kraft – Vice President
Monica McConkey
Kelly Messerschmidt – Treasurer Emily Cook
Ronald McDonald House in Fargo is honored to have the energy, talent, and compassion of such a diverse group of leaders. A tremendous thank you to all individuals listed on the right.
Tiffany Lawrence – President
Shauna Wimer – Secretary
Aubrey Zuger
Kirsten Jensen
Jonathan O’Keefe
Nicole Christensen
LuAnne Brosz
Jason Harmon
Mary Ellen Rolfson – Advisory Membership
Charley Poynter Linda O’Halloran
Volunteer Opportunities We have many opportunities for people who would like to give of their time and energy to support families, including making meals, baking goodies, assisting with mailings, light cleaning, and outdoor
serve families, work closely with staff, and have the chance to bring great joy to the Ronald McDonald House. We would love to have you!
yard work.
An application is required to be a Heartwarmer
Another wonderful way to support families at
https://rmhcfargo.org/volunteer/volunteer-
RMHC is by being a Heartwarmer Volunteer. These volunteers must be able to commit to a year of service, one day per week at a scheduled time, to assist our full-time staff. Heartwarmers are in a unique position to invest their time and talents to
Volunteer which can be found on our website at application/ or by calling 701-232-3980. For additional questions, please reach out to Kelly Binfet, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 701-232-3980 or kelly@rmhcfargo.org.
3
Thank you to all who wore their stripes or purchased Sandy’s Donuts #forRMHC! In October, we celebrated our mission by asking you to show your stripes in support of RMHC and the wonderful work RMHC does to keep families close to each other and the care they need when it matters most. 802 dozen donuts were sold with $1 per dozen donated to the Ronald McDonald House. We are so grateful to Sandy’s Donuts for doubling the donation amount for a total of $1,604 given to RMHC! Thank you all for your generosity and kindness! Are you in need of stripes? Fargo Stuff is selling one-of-a-kind RMHC awareness red and white striped hats! With your $20 purchase, $10 will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo. Get your hat today - they’re warm and cozy! Purchase online at https://fargostuff.com/rmhc
4
30th Annual Sweetheart Ball Saturday, Feruary 14th, 2019 Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an exciting evening of dining, dancing, bidding on live and silent auctions, and supporting RMHC! The 30th Annual Sweetheart
If you made a Capital Campaign gift and it was omitted, misspelled, or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere
Ball our willDevelopment take place on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 apology and notify Director, Erica, 701-232-3980 or erica@rmhcfargo.org. at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. Tickets are $75 or $600
Save the Dates
for a table of 8. Sponsorship opportunities available! For more information, contact Erica at 701-232-3980 or erica@rmhcfargo.org.
Giving Hearts Day Fedruary 14th, 2019 At the Ronald McDonald House our dream is to keep all families with critically-ill children close by providing a supportive, homelike environment. Funds from Giving Hearts Day help families with critically-ill children have a place to stay while their child is in the hospital receiving much-needed care. This 24 hour online giving event is co-hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation, Impact Foundation and Alex Stern Foundation. We are currently looking for members to join our volunteer Giving Hearts Day committee to help us strategize, plan and execute a Giving Hearts Day campaign. Help us make sure the 2019 Giving Hearts Day is the best it can be for RMHC! Please contact Erica Johnsrud at erica@rmhcfargo.org or 701-232-3980.
Partnership Opportunities Matching Gifts Programs Does your employer offer a matching gifts program? Check it out and see if you can double your contribution! Thanks to all employees and businesses who take part in these programs to help this community keep families close together.
Trivent Choice Dollars Are you a Thrivent member? Thrivent Choice lets you recommend where some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds go by directing your Choice Dollars and participating in voting events. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley is excited to be one of the charities that your Choice Dollars can be directed to! Consider directing your Choice Dollars to RMHC.
5
Wish List MOST URGENT NEEDS • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pantry Snacks ●Stain Remover ● Hand sanitizers (any sizes) ● Laundry Detergent ●Small garbage bags ● Swiffer Wet refill pads (not WetJet) ● Clorox Wipes ● Shampoo & Conditioner (full size) ● Super Maxi Pads and tampons ● New chapstick/lip balms ●Individual Kleenex packs ● Women’s deodorant ● K-cups – Regular and Decaf
Don’t forget - we’ve moved! Our new address is 4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo, ND 58104. We’d love to show you around! To schedule a tour, reach out to Erica Johnsrud at 701-232-3980 or erica@rmhcfargo.org.
4757 AGASSIZ CROSSING S, FARGO, ND 58104