The Triplett Family Family Story
It is hard to imagine any child being diagnosed with cancer, but it’s even harder to imagine an 18-year-old girl being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sadly, this was the reality for Kyleigh Triplett. In February 2023, Kyleigh noted a lump in her breast, and as it continued to grow, her mom, Michele, set out to find some answers. After an ultrasound, multiple scans and biopsies, Kyleigh was diagnosed with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor in her breast. Her doctors in Dickinson referred her to a doctor in Bismarck, who then referred her to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo.
Kyleigh completed five weeks of radiation before making the decision to undergo a mastectomy. Due to the aggressive nature of her cancer, undergoing a mastectomy gave her the greatest chance of becoming cancer-free. In August 2023, Kyleigh underwent her mastectomy through a series of two separate operations.
While Kyleigh underwent treatment in Fargo, Kyleigh and Michele, stayed at Ronald McDonald House. Kyleigh began her senior year of high school while staying at RMHC, and thanks to our annual “back-to-school drive” was able to have everything she needed for a successful school year. Juggling schoolwork, doctor appointments, radiation, and recovery was stressful. Fortunately, with the help of a tutor who met with her on-site at RMHC, Kyleigh was able to complete her senior year of high school online, allowing her to graduate on time and with her friends.
Kyleigh's relationships with other families, volunteers and staff meant the most to her during her time at RMHC. Knowing there were other families going through the same struggles as hers gave her an outlet for her fears and frustrations. They understood what she was going through and were able to help her navigate the uncertainties of cancer. Kyleigh and Michele remain in contact with two families they met while at RMHC and Kyleigh is proud to call them her "aunts."
always excited to see what home-cooked goodness waited for her in the kitchen. The volunteer made meals were a major blessing to Kyleigh and her mom. Michele also has strong memories of connecting with other moms. While Kyleigh was doing her homework or hanging out in the game room, Michele enjoyed conversing with other moms and was grateful for a safe place to share her struggles, fears, and
going through. Having the RMHC community who understood her struggles, joys, and fears helped guide Kyleigh through the uncertainty of treatment.
Michele remembers the warm, welcoming and cozy environment of RMHC. If RMHC had not been available, she was not sure what they would have done or where they would have stayed during Kyleigh’s months-long cancer treatments.
future hopes for Kyleigh’s recovery.
While undergoing treatment, Kyleigh lost much of her appetite, but she was
A solid support system at RMHC was essential to Kyleigh’s recovery. Even though Kyleigh maintained contact with her friends and church back home in Dickinson, it was hard for her friends to understand what she was
"RMHC provided us with love, meals, school support, friendly faces, and lifelong friends," says Michele.
Kyleigh is now cancer-free and has successfully graduated high school. She spent her summer working at a daycare and selling concessions at a local pool. She is deciding between attending online college or attending cosmetology school. Even though Kyleigh is now cancer-free, she still needs full body scans, chest x-rays, breast MRIs and appointments with her doctors every 6-8 weeks. During these check-ups, Kyleigh and Michele continue to stay at RMHC.
"RMHC provided us with love, meals, school, support, friendly faces and lifelong friends."
Michele Triplett
JILL CHRISTOPHER
CEO A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
I hope that each time you read a story like the Triplett family you remember that it is YOUR support making their stay at the Ronald McDonald House possible. These stories show just a glimpse into the 800+ families your donations and volunteer efforts impact each year. You make it possible for them to enjoy a warm bed, a homecooked meal, and a place of respite during a very stressful time. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to express my gratitude for the generosity and support you
bestow on our families. You make our mission possible.
As we approach year-end, I would like to thank our tremendous Board of Directors for their generous time and care for the mission of RMHC of the Red River Valley. It is truly an honor to work with such an incredible group of volunteers that are committed to keeping families near their sick child. We are so fortunate to have each of them.
With a heart full of Thanksgiving,
• Preemie Diapers
• K-Cups (regular)
• 13 Gallon Garbage Bags
• Unscented Laundry
Detergent
• Or any items from our online wishlist!
