In December of 2022, RMHC of the Red River Valley turned 40! As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to sharing with you updates from families who have called our house a home over the past four decades. Together with you, we celebrate the impact of this mission on families of our past, present and future.
On February 8, 1999, twins Katie and Jackson were born prematurely to Wendy and Jeff Merrick. After years of marriage, Wendy and Jeff were incredibly excited to welcome their two children into the world. However, neither of them could have predicted that the birth would start as soon as it did. Neither could they have prepared for the uncertainty that followed, with two babies in the NICU.
After Wendy’s water broke unexpectedly on
February 7, the family rode by ambulance to Fargo—over an hour away from their home in Ashby, MN. The Merrick family would spend the next two months navigating life without being able to bring their babies home.
Wendy remembers feeling anxious, afraid, guilty, and even ashamed.
“I felt shame–ashamed that we were failing as parents and ashamed to be worried about practicalities like our jobs and money when our kids were in the hospital,” Wendy said. “We were also embarrassed by our need for help.”
Thankfully, after the twins’ early arrival, Wendy and Jeff remembered seeing signs for the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo. They applied, and with a speedy acceptance, were warmly welcomed to stay the evening of February 11. It was exactly what the Merrick family needed.
“The close proximity to the hospital was extremely important to our peace of mind— particularly during those first few weeks,” Wendy said. “We were afraid to leave the
“In addition to positively impacting our psychological well-being, being able to stay at the house instead of paying for travel or a hotel helped us out economically during a time when money was tight, and the cost of healthcare was a concern,” Wendy said. “Because we stayed at the House, we regained stability more quickly than we could have otherwise. It was a haven in the midst of uncertainty.”
Additionally, the amenities offered at RMHC were a huge comfort to the Merrick family when their life felt out of control. The kitchen presented a special relief to Wendy.
“I used the refrigerator/freezer to store breast milk, and that was important to me” she said. “It made me feel like I was doing something important for our kids during a
time characterized by powerlessness.”
Today, Katie and Jackson are both successful 23 year olds and have reconnected with RMHC. Despite the frighteningly early start to their lives, they’ve both made great advances since. Katie serves as the Vice President of Business Operations with the Fargo Force and Jackson works as an IT technician at Morris Electronics.
Katie has witnessed firsthand how her parents were impacted by RMHC and how it continues to bless their family to this day.
“I think one of the greatest parts of RMHC is how it’s making a huge difference in a way that many wouldn’t even consider,” Katie said. “When most people think ‘charities’
related to hospitals, it’s research funding or a specific type of disease. No one thinks about what the families are going through or where they’re staying. This can be a huge stressor and add extra expense for families.
The premature birth of our kids made us feel vulnerable, powerless, and out of control. The Ronald McDonald House helped us find our center and regain our stability. Aside from the positive impact this had on our children’s health, the experience has broadened our understanding of the need for supportive services.
- Wendy MerrickJill Christopher CEO
A few years back, a letter came in the mail that led me to meet two very important people in our now 40-year history of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley. The letter was from Bev McAllister whose daughter had passed away in 1978 after a brief battle with cancer. She was writing to correct a few notes of our history that, over the years, had been inadvertently altered. The reason she knew the story so well was because it was hers. She was the mom I had often wondered about who was referenced as one of the pioneers in our story.
Over 40 years ago, the inspiration for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley was born out of a group of mothers who were grieving the devastating loss of a child. They had visited the new Ronald McDonald House in the Twin Cities and connected with Wayne Allard, a social worker at Dakota Hospital (now Sanford Health) about the possibility of opening a house in Fargo. These moms knew all too well the long days in a hospital room caring for your child, the loneliness of being away from your family and friends, and the anxiety that comes with the stress of lodging and meal costs while receiving medical care away from home.
In the years since that letter arrived, it’s been a privilege to get to know Bev and her husband, Jim, and hear them share stories of
1982-2022
their beloved daughter, Sara. It’s been an honor to show them the impact that Sara’s precious life has had on the families who have called our house a home.
There are a lot of ways we could measure the impact of 40 years –families served, volunteer hours shared, dollars generously invested. While those numbers are impressive, there is one common ingredient that has made 40 years of life changing mission possible – love.
Thank you for being a part of our story -- whether your love comes in the form of financial support, volunteer hours or words of support – you have had a significant impact on the families we serve by lessening the financial burden and providing essential comfort, care, and support.
40 years was just the start. It’s an honor to carry on Sara’s legacy and I look forward to many, many years ahead of serving families together.
With a grateful heart,
Jill Christopher CEO
