FALL 2019
The Kezer Family
“
Written by Beth Kezer
At 35 weeks pregnant, I was admitted to the hospital with severe preeclampsia. Due to the seriousness of my condition, my doctor determined it was safer for me to deliver my son early. After 13 hours of labor, my son’s condition deteriorated, and he had to be delivered by emergency caesarean. William weighed 4 pounds, was in respiratory distress, and was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.
his stay was five weeks.
As most new parents have experienced,
With the help of a social worker at the
discharge date from the hospital grew
McDonald House Charities of the Red
would not be coming home with me
hospital, we were given a private room
surpassed specific milestones required
would never find at a hotel, including
At the time, I was living with my now
ex-husband in Grand Forks, ND. After going through 13 hours of induced
labor and emergency surgery, I was in
no condition to make the 160-mile daily round trip to be with our son. To add
insult to injury, my son’s father had been fired from his job because he chose to be with me at the hospital in Fargo for
the birth of our son instead of showing
“To say we were overwhelmed by the generosity we received from this organization and the people running it just doesn’t cut it.”
up for his scheduled shift at work. We
were in a very difficult position physically, emotionally, and financially.
the next few days were a blur. As my
hospital, we were referred to Ronald
closer, it became evident that my son
River Valley. The day after I left the
until he had grown strong enough and
and numerous comforts of home you
to leave the NICU. The estimated time for
hot meals, full run of a kitchen, shuttle
service to and from the hospital, laundry services, and a tremendous amount of support from the people running the
organization. When we explained our
current financial status to the director, she told me we didn’t need to worry about
paying for anything—RMHCRRV would
be there to support us the entire time our son was in the hospital. To say we were overwhelmed by the generosity we
Continued on pg. 2
The Kezer Family continued
I never expected to be in a situation
where my family and I needed the Ronald McDonald House. No parent does. And
there are no words to describe the relief,
gratitude, and overwhelming emotion we felt the first time we walked through their doors. They took numerous stressors off
our plate and allowed us to focus on what was truly important: our son recovering
and growing strong enough to come home. He turned four on July 16, 2019, and is
as healthy, spunky, and full of sass as any received from this organization and the
Saying “thank you” will never be enough. That’s why I was honored to volunteer
my time and speak in front of the golfers at this years’ tournament. By attending RMHC events throughout the year,
collecting pop tabs, or donating your time, money, or resources, YOU can make a
significant impact on the lives of so many families in our community who are going through the emotional turmoil of having sick children.
other 4-year-old out there!
people running it just doesn’t cut it.
On July 15, I was honored
Through the grace of God and the healing
McDonald House Charities of
son ended up spending only 10 days in the
charity golf tournament held
the Ronald McDonald House much sooner
in Moorhead, MN. I was also
moment we walked through their doors,
at the event, four years after I
there would be a place for us there.
the receiving end of this charity.
to volunteer at the Ronald
hands of the NICU doctors and nurses, our
the Red River Valley’s annual
NICU instead of the expected 35. We left
at The Meadows Golf Course
than originally anticipated. However, the
the featured family speaker
we knew no matter how long his stay was,
unexpectedly found myself on
A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER Executive Director
The summer has once again flown by, but for many of our families this summer was a blur for a very different reason. In the past, you may have heard me say that we get a little quieter in the summer here at RMHC. That is definitely no longer the case. The summer was our busiest yet with
families ready to come in as soon
mission. You make it possible for
as one got the good news they were
families to be near their sick kids and,
going home. In fact, we have already
not only be able to be at the hospital,
served over 100 families more this
but
year than in the same span of time
going through a similar situation. It is
in 2018. Our new location has served
amazing to see what the support you
these families very well allowing
give, no matter the size, multiplies
for more space, more volunteers,
when combined with so many others.
more activities and more support to help get the families through such a difficult time. A family is strongest when they are together and that’s what we do every day at RMHC with your support. Thank you for all you give to our
connect
with
other
families
A rendering of the new family room
RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY ROOM
sick child. The space will have amenities
make it possible. There are various ways you
that include a seating area, kitchenette, and
can get involved including:
shower. Families will be able to take a moment to step away from the beeps and buzz of
In March of 2017, we announced a new partnership with Essentia Health here in Fargo to open the area’s first Ronald McDonald Family Room. After much anticipation, we are thrilled that our new program will be opening this September in the Essentia Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a respite space within the hospital that will give families a place to rest and regroup right at the hospital, just moments away from their
•
Helping make it feel like a place of respite
their kid’s room, or spend a few minutes with
by donating with list items such as pantry
other family members in a safe and quiet
snacks, Clorox wipes, activity books for
environment.
parents and kids. •
Becoming a Ronald McDonald Family
Research shows that when a family is able to
Room volunteer that would help staff the
stay near their sick child it allows parents to
space seven days a week during daytime
better communicate with their child’s medical
hours and support the families of the
team and improves adherence to complicated
Essentia Health NICU by being a listening
treatment plans. Having a sick child can take
ear and ensuring the space is neat, clean,
an enormous toll on the family – emotionally
and stocked for our guests.
and financially, and we are working very hard to make a comfortable place for parents to
•
Supporting our mission through a monetary donation at rmhcfargo.org.
rest. If this interests you, please reach out to Ashley We are working hard to create a comfortable
at ashley@rmhcfargo.org or 701-232-3980.
place for families to rest, and YOU can help
In Progess
Living room with TV and Fireplace below
Looking in from the hallway. This will be a glass wall
Window looking North
RECAPPING THE 20TH ANNUAL RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GOLF TOURNAMENT On July 15, 138 golfers, five staff members, and many volunteers gathered for the 20th Annual Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament at the Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead. Executive Director, Jill Christopher, kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and describing the comfort and support Ronald McDonald House of the Red River Valley provides for families going through uncertain times. We were
honored to have Beth Kezer as our guest speaker. Beth shared with us about her experience spending ten days in 2015 while her newborn son was in the NICU. Our golfers raced to their holes as fast as the golf carts could carry them.
Throughout the course, golfers participated in games such as Sink or Swim, the Vegas Hole Betting game, and a dice game that would help advance golfers to the greens.
The weather was hot, but that did not stop our golfers from having an amazing day! After a successful 18-round game, we welcomed our golfers back to an
air-conditioned supper and prizes.. We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our presenting sponsor, Paul Aslakson - Thrivent Financial, and our event
sponsors: Foss Architecture & Interiors, State Farm Insurance, The CocaCola Company, Prairie St. Johns, Midco, Dr. Pepper, McDonalds, Butler
Machinery, Office Sign Company, Cargill, and The PixSquad as well as our team and hole sponsors.
ELIAS SCHIELE On August 8, a construction site in Horace, ND got their youngest worker yet. Eight-year-old Elias Schiele was recently diagnosed with leukemia, but he wasn’t going to let that get in the way of his dream of operating a full-sized bulldozer. Elias and his siblings, big brother Andy and little sister Annabelle, spent the day digging up dirt with construction company General Equipment. Thank you to General Equipment for helping us make Elias’s dream come true!
REVVED UP RIDE The sound of revving engines filled the air as motorcycles took off from the VFW on the 19th Annual Ronald McDonald House Ride event held in New York Mills, MN. With their adrenaline pumping, bikers rode in honor of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley. The weekend events featured a packed campground, live and silent auctions, live music, and a motorcycle raffle. We are so thankful for this community of givers and couldn’t have asked for a more supportive troop of bikers! There are so many moving pieces that come together to create this incredible experience that brings people back year after year. Thank you to the volunteers and committee who meet year-round to ensure this event’s success. If you missed this year’s ride, make sure to mark your calendar for next years event on June 13th, 2020. For more information, check out www.rmhride.com.
SAVE THE DATES STRIPES #forRMHC October We are proud of our stripes. They signify the wonderful work Ronald McDonald House Charities does to keep families just steps away from their critically ill children at little-to-no cost to them. Show us your stripes by using the hashtag #forRMHC on social media! Stoked about stripes? Throughout the month of October, your donation of $20 or more will not only provide a room for a family, but we will also send you a pair of red and white striped socks or a t-shirt (while supplies last). Contact Erica at erica@rmhcfargo.org or 701-232-3980 for more information on how to participate.
31st Annual SWEETHEART BALL
Giving HEARTS DAY
Saturday, Feb 8th, 2020
February 13th, 2020
New location at Delta Hotel Don’t miss an enchanting evening of dinner, dancing, and donating to support the Ronald McDonald House. The 31st Annual Sweetheart Ball will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Delta Hotel in Fargo. It’s the perfect preValentine’s Day date! Tickets are $75 for individuals or $600 for a table of 8. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Erica at erica@rmhcfargo.org.
Giving Hearts Day will be here before we know it! This 24-hour online giving event is co-hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation, the Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Family Foundation. Your support on February 13 will help us realize our dream of keeping all critically-ill children close to their families by providing a supportive, home-like environment
URGENT NEEDS • • • • • •
Disinfectant wipes Size 1-3 diapers Men’s and women’s deodorant Full-size shampoo and conditioner High-efficiency gentle laundry soap 13-gallon garbage bags
Pantry Snacks • • • •
Granola bars Apple sauce cups Nutri grain bars Other grab-n-go snacks
4757 AGASSIZ CROSSING S, FARGO, ND 58104