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Luann and Layne Nelson were first introduced to the Ronald McDonald House when their youngest of five children, Lawson, was air-lifted to Fargo on August 14, 2018. At the age of seven, Lawson was diagnosed with t-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Lawson spent eight days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Sanford Hospital, followed by two more weeks in a standard room before leaving the hospital.

Things didn’t slow down for the Nelson family when Lawson left the hospital. Over the next two years, Lawson had

many more procedures, monitoring, and chemotherapy treatments at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. With Fargo being a substantial distance from where the Nelsons live and raise cattle in northwestern North Dakota, they needed a local place to stay for their numerous visits.

“The hospital staff directed my husband and our other children to the Ronald McDonald House,” Luann said. “This was an immediate blessing. I stayed in the hospital with Lawson, but it was so good to have the rest of our family as close as next door to the hospital.”

The Nelson family valued the safe, clean, and relaxing environment of RMHC, but above all, they were grateful to be together and to make connections with other families.

“We met other people dealing with similar troubles and we were able to encourage and learn from our new friends there,” Luann said. “We’ve made friendships with other families that may likely last a lifetime. Between the staff, volunteers, and other families, we were given so much care, concern, and encouragement. There’s nothing like a warm smile to make your day brighter.”

During their stay, the Nelsons could be found using the game, fitness, and craft rooms to unwind and embrace normalcy that reminded them of home.

One of the Nelsons’ most loved features was the kitchen, where they enjoyed homemade meals from volunteers and cooked their own food.

“We

“There were so many generous items and gift cards donated, and the many volunteers that came through to cook, bake, or clean were a beautiful example of generosity,” Luann said. “I believe this experience encouraged my kids to give their time and resources from their own hearts.”

Overall, having the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House made it possible to keep the Nelson family together and close to the hospital. Over the course of almost four years, they stayed for 91 nights while Lawson received the care he needed to get healthy.

are over-the-top blown away by the generosity that was poured out to us by the Ronald McDonald House. Our needs were thoroughly tended to and then some.”

- Nelson Family

“My daughter loves to cook and serve, and the kitchen amenities enabled her to cook healthy meals and simply walk them over to me at the hospital,” Luann said. “This gave her a purpose which made her feel helpful.”

Being at RMHC was also a huge learning experience for the Nelson family.

This December, the Nelsons reached a major milestone when Lawson finished his final round of chemotherapy.

“Having somewhere to stay long-term, and so inexpensively, lessened a huge financial burden,” Luann said. “It allowed us to better concentrate our focus on Lawson and tending to him the best we could.”

Learn more about the Nelsons and their RMHC experience at our annual Sweetheart Ball!

A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER

Executive Director

Having a sick child is really hard. At Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley, we work to make things just a little easier for families with sick kids. YOU make our work possible.

As I look back on 2021, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the monetary gifts, in-kind support, and volunteer work that makes our programs possible. Your generous support has directly impacted the over 800 families we served in 2021 through our Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and hotel partnership.

To hear more about how your support makes a direct impact on families, I invite you to join us virtually or in-person for the 2022 Sweetheart Ball. You will hear from the Nelson family about their journey and the role that RMHC has played.

Thank you for making a difference for the families we serve! I look forward to sharing more about how this generosity has impacted our mission.

With a heart full of gratitude,

FEBRUARY 12 TH ,

HOUSE

As a “home away from home” for families with seriously sick children in the hospital, we strive to surround our families with care, compassion, and hope, especially around the holidays. Families experienced many magical moments this holiday season thanks to the generosity of friends and donors who gave time, talents, gifts, and monetary donations. Decorated with trees, lights, and an Elf on the Shelf, the house was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays. Read on for some of our holiday highlights.

All the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House shopped at the Holiday Store at no charge in the days leading up to Christmas. Shopping for loved ones at the Ronald McDonald House allowed them to avoid the long lines and crowds and spend precious time focusing on their children who are receiving medical care.

Families utilizing the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia Health were surprised with carefully curated Christmas baskets containing gifts for the whole family. With help from pediatric and NICU staff, we were able to deliver Christmas spirit to those whose only focus is getting their child healthy.

“I physically cannot go out and shop after having my baby. I didn’t think I’d even get to buy any of my family members presents this year. You have no idea how much this has helped us!”

Children big and small were treated to a very special visit with Santa and his elf before his big day. They delivered gifts picked specifically for each family member and made time to hear every Christmas wish. We appreciate volunteers like Saint Nick for giving their time to help make special memories for the children staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

From special holiday music performances to baked holiday treats, you helped us provide meaningful comforts and moments of joy for families working through a stressful time. Your endless kindness and goodwill allows us to continue the best support for the families we serve.