Melissa and Steven Hoffart had been married for 12 years when they learned they were expecting. Melissa received prenatal care in their town of Minot, North Dakota. All was well until her routine 28-week appointment, when complications were discovered.
The Hoffarts immediately went to the hospital, where Melissa was diagnosed with an extreme case of preeclampsia—a dangerous complication characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. In the whirlwind of this news, their baby girl was delivered by emergency c-section a few days later. Although her due date was December 31, 2019, Alexis Medora Hoffart was born on October 12. She
measured just 11 inches long, roughly the size of a 24-week old baby.
Alexis spent the next three months in the Trinity Hospital NICU in Minot before transferring to the Sanford Children’s Hospital NICU in Fargo for two more months. Originally, the 270-mile one-way trip to Fargo was only to have a feeding tube placed surgically. The Hoffarts planned to be in Fargo for just a few days; however, once in the NICU, Alexis’s care team identified several new complications including a heart condition, lung issues, and plagiocephaly.
It was recommended to Melissa and Steven to apply to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo to save on lodging expenses. For the next 48 nights, they were able to be close to Alexis and have a place to call “home” while in Fargo.
“I never would have imagined that there
would be a fully-stocked kitchen and pantry where the food and meals were provided at no cost,” Steven said. “Many volunteers and businesses donated meals as well.”
The Hoffarts’ experience at the Ronald McDonald House includes having
48 Nights
supportive conversations with a security guard, watching other families with children playing in the playroom or craft room, and being gifted a stuffed toy dog which has become Alexis’s favorite stuffed animal.
“The facility has so many areas where a person can relax, and the staff and volunteers were always welcoming, courteous, professional, and a pleasure to speak with,” Steven said. “It was encouraging when staff would ask about Alexis and how she was doing, and that they were looking forward to meeting her when she got discharged from the NICU.”
“I believe that the house helped in our daughter’s recovery because we were able to stay in Fargo to be with her pretty much every day. I cannot imagine how things would have been if we were not able to stay at RMHC.”
- Steven Hoffart
One amenity the Hoffarts believe some may overlook is the fact that you can get mail delivered to RMHC, as each room has its own mailbox.
“Especially for families that spend a longer time at the house, it is nice to get mail from home or encouraging letters from people at your church,” Steven said.
The Hoffarts are grateful for the continued support they receive from RMHC during every follow-up appointment. Even when they were not able to stay at the house due to social distancing guidelines, the Hoffart family was thankful for the partnership the Ronald McDonald House fostered with the Sleep Inn to provide families with a place to stay while in Fargo.
Today, Alexis is thriving.
“Things are going great and this little girl is growing and reaching milestones all the time,” Steven said. “Our five-year-old German shepherd is best friends with Alexis, playing with her and protecting her. Our ten-year-old cat took several months to get used to a baby in the house, but now sleeps with her during nap times.”
A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
Executive Director
At this time of Thanksgiving, I would like to take this moment to share my immense gratitude for the unwavering support you have shown over the past year and a half. You have made it possible for us to continue our important work of keeping children near vital medical care and keeping families together as they fight a battle we wish they didn't have to.
Thank you for supporting our mission with your gifts of money, food, and needed items to make our programs run smoothly. Thank you for lifting our team up with your kind words
and check-ins. Thank you for volunteering your time to ensure that we have meals and a clean space for our families. Through our Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programs, we help families feel at home even when they can’t be. You make this work possible and I am so grateful.
As we look to 2022, our RMHC team will serve even more families and provide the comfort, care, and kindness that they need during difficult times. Thank you for keeping families together and for your continued support of our mission.
STRIPES #forRMHC IN OCTOBER
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.
THANK YOU to all who wore socks, shared in the fun and enjoyed donuts #forRMHC!
If you missed out on the fun, have no fear. With a minimum donation of $20, you can receive your very own snazzy pair of socks, just like Ronald wears.
Make your gift now at www.rmhcfargo.org/make-a-donation and note “socks” in the memo section. (Available while supplies last.)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Also, a huge thank you to Sandy’s Donuts for their in store fundraiser.
AROUND THE HOUSE
There are many ways you can make an impact on sick kids and their families this holiday season.
NORTH DAKOTA TAX CREDIT ENDOWMENT GIFTS
Donate your used vehicle, boat, or motorized vehicle and support RMHC. It’s fast, free, easy, and tax deductible.
To get started, visit www.carshelp.org or call for 855-227-7435.
The state of North Dakota offers a generous 40% state income tax credit for gifts of $5,000 or more to our qualified endowment fund. It’s a win-win for both you and the families your gift will so generously serve for generations to come.
Make an immediate impact on our mission and avoid taxes on transfers up to $100,000 from your IRA direct to RMHC of the Red River Valley. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make your gift. Our tax ID number is 45-0365598
FM Area Foundation
CHOICE DOLLARS
Are you a Thrivent Member? Consider applying for a Thrivent Action Team Grant or choose to direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley.
MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAMS
Does your employer offer a matching gifts program? Check it out to see your donation go further by doubling your contributions! Thank you to all employees and businesses who take part in these programs to help this community keep families close together.
November 29TH - December 13TH Caring Catalog
The FM Area Foundation is hosting the Caring Catalog, an online giving platform to support nonprofit work in Cass-Clay this holiday season. From November 29th – December 13th, you can donate online at areafoundation.org/caringcatalog and help support RMHC of the Red River Valley!
Watch online for information about fun incentives from the FM Area Foundation for donors like you to multiply your support!
33nd Annual
33rd Annual
Saturday, Feb 12TH, 2022
Visit www.rmhcfargo.org for more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities.
February 10TH, 2022
Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour online giving event co-hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation, the Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Family Foundation. Your support on February 10th will help us work towards our goal of keeping critically-ill children close to their families as they grow strong in the hospital.
4757 AGASSIZ CROSSING FARGO, ND 58104
• Restaurant Gift Cards ($10-$20) • Paper Towels • Full Sized Shampoo, Conditioner and Baby Shampoo • Bottled Water
