About this time last year, Morgan and Tom Hiedeman of Wahpeton, ND were anxiously anticipating the arrival of their first child in early 2024. At Morgan’s 29-week appointment, things took an unexpected turn when they discovered she had developed pre-eclampsia.
After meeting with a high-risk pregnancy team in Fargo, it was decided the only way to lower Morgan’s dangerously high blood pressure was to induce labor. On December 30, 2023, Laiken made her debut weighing just 1lb 15oz. Arriving eleven weeks early, she was admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and required help to breathe, eat, and maintain her body temperature.
From NICU to New Beginnings
How RMHC Became the Hiedeman Family’s
Six days after Laiken was born, Morgan was discharged from the hospital. With their home nearly forty miles away, Morgan and Tom now faced the challenge of where to stay while Laiken grew strong enough to go home. What is normally a fairly routine commute now felt daunting, stressful, and with winter weather conditions, unpredictable. However, a hotel seemed like an unnecessary expense given the manageable distance.
Safe Haven
While weighing their options, they learned about Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley (RMHC). After putting their name on the waiting list, they opted to commute back and forth until a room was available. Driving away from the hospital was harder than expected and being at home without their daughter just didn’t seem right.
...they received a call that a room had opened up at RMHC, and they quickly headed back to Fargo to be with their newborn.
Thankfully, shortly after they made it home, they received a call that a room had opened up at RMHC, and they quickly headed back to Fargo to be with their newborn.
Laiken went on to call the NICU “home” for the first 70 days of her life. During that time, Morgan stayed at RMHC while Tom, a police officer, traveled back and forth for work. On stretches while Tom was gone, Morgan’s mom Peggy would join her at RMHC to help keep her company. Postpartum is often an overwhelming and lonely time for moms, even more so when navigating the uncertainty of the NICU. Peggy recalls, “I really appreciated being able to stay with Morgan to help and support her!”
The close proximity ensured they could be present for every milestone and doctor update.
The NICU is a roller coaster ride. Staying at RMHC provided the Hiedeman family with comfort and much-needed stress relief. The close proximity ensured they could be present for every milestone and doctor update. Having a safe, comfortable place to return to every night allowed them to pour all their energy into Laiken and her care. After long days at the hospital, Morgan enjoyed returning to RMHC, where she knew a warm meal (and maybe even some freshly baked cookies) would be available.
Often, the third trimester of pregnancy is when parents-to-be are spoiled with baby showers and spend their time “nesting” to prepare their home to welcome a baby. Laiken’s early arrival didn’t allow for that.
While at RMHC, Morgan was able to take part in a house-wide baby shower and visit the Petite Boutique. Stocked with all of the essentials, the Petite Boutique offers parents convenient access to everything they might need. From blankets handmade with love, to diapers, bottles, toys, and itty-bitty clothes—all items are generously donated and available to families free of charge.
Laiken has been home since March 2024, and even though she is petite, she is thriving. When asked about a favorite memory of their time at RMHC, Morgan recalls getting to
know the volunteers and staff. “I was able to spend an afternoon with volunteers while they made thank-you calls to donors on Giving Hearts Day
"I have seen first-hand how RMHC changes lives."
Morgan Hiedeman
I have seen first-hand how RMHC changes lives. Each donation, no matter how small, is a blessing to all who utilize the many services RMHC provides.”
CEO A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
As we reach the end of summer, I am filled with fun memories of our community making a difference for the families we serve. Summer is always an energetic time at the Ronald McDonald House, especially this year as we were full almost every night!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, families enjoyed the comforts of home—amazing meals, delicious baked goods, and convenient grab-and-go snacks. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our wishlist, making sure our families have everything they need to feel at home during their stay. We were overwhelmed with generosity in the best way possible!
A special shout-out goes to all who collected and donated pop tabs so far this year. Your efforts are making a significant impact on our ability to support families in need—in fact, we are well on pace to have our best pop tab collection year yet! Every tab counts, and your dedication is truly appreciated.
As we move into the fall months, we look forward to creating more moments of happiness and comfort for our guests. Thank you for being a part of our RMHC family and for your ongoing support.
Jill Christopher CEO
*Consult your tax advisor
Help families with sick children stay close to each other and get the care and resources they need. We accept cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and more. Donating is easy, the pick-up is free, and the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle support Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley.
Vehicle donations are tax-deductible! Most vehicles are sold through local used-car markets. Our Vehicle Donation Program works to get the highest return per vehicle and handles all the paperwork, too! Whether your vehicle sells for $500 or less, more than $500, or more than $5000, you will be provided with the proper donation tax receipt(s).
A La Carte from the Heart
The comforts of home on-the-go!
Volunteer Program
To continue to best serve the 60+ people who call our house a home each night, we’re launching a new volunteer opportunity.
“A La Carte from the Heart” offers families healthy grab-andgo food items that are easy to take to the hospital, enjoy as a late-night snack, or pack for a long trip home. Yogurt parfaits, meat and cheese, fresh veggies and dip, or snack mix – the opportunities are endless! Each year we rely on thousands of volunteers to help us provide the comforts of home. This new program compliments the warm evening meals and delicious baked goods our volunteers lovingly provide and continues to allow families more time and energy to focus on what matters most – getting their child healthy and home!
Volunteering at RMHC is a great excuse to get out of the office, build camaraderie, and make a huge impact for sick kids and their families. Shifts are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-2:00 p.m. Simply bring the ingredients and packaging needed to whip up your goodies in our kitchen.
S TRIPES # for RMHC
OCTOBER 15, 2024
Each October, we raise awareness for RMHC by wearing the iconic striped socks! Show your Stripes Day allows our community to proudly share their heart #forRMHC and invite others into supporting our mission.
Secure your stripes now! With a minimum donation of $20, you can score your very own snazzy pair of socks, just like Ronald wears!
Striped Socks Order Form
Scan or visit our website at rmhcfargo.org/stripes
Celebrate Stripes day with Sandy’s Donuts!
The only thing better than a Sandy’s Donut is making a difference while enjoying a Sandy’s donut! Plan to order a dozen striped donuts and share the RMHC love! A portion of each dozen helps sick kids and their families stay together when it matters most!
Place your donut order today from any of the three Sandy's F-M locations: 701.281.0430
Get Involved Other Ways to
Collect POP TABS
Not all heroes wear capes. Some collect pop tabs to help kids!
Meet Daryl. Last month, he turned in nearly 8 million pop tabs, weighing 2,608 lbs, all strung together! This is the SECOND time he has collected over 1 ton of pop tabs. Way to go, Daryl—you inspire kindness.
Collecting pop tabs shows how small actions can have a big impact. Each year, thousands of pounds of tabs help ensure families can stay at RMHC at no cost. We are grateful to the classrooms, companies, and service organizations that collect them on our behalf. Thank you, all!
Drop off your collections at any time: 4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo, ND 58104
To learn more about how to get involved, please contact us at rmh@rmhcfargo.org.
Round-Up for RMHC
“Round-Up” your total every time you visit McDonald’s Restaurants to help families receiving medical care enjoy the comforts of home. Spare change makes a BIG impact.
By rounding up, your small change can contribute to providing essential resources, such as meals and accommodations, for families in need. Your generosity ensures that parents can stay close to their children during challenging times, easing their burden and offering them the support they need. Every penny counts in making a difference in the lives of these families.
RMHC WISHLIST
All items can be delivered to: 4757 Agassiz Crossing S Fargo, ND 58104 Our most urgent needs:
