From Our House to YOURS
Where Hope Takes Root
Supporting Families, One House at a Time
Nic and Alexa Lundquist, from Langdon, North Dakota, were on vacation in Florida when their lives took an unexpected turn. At 23 weeks pregnant, Alexa began feeling sick and sought medical attention. “The doctors told us I wasn’t going to be leaving Florida pregnant,” she shared. One week later, their daughter, Ella, arrived 16 weeks early on March 1, 2023. She weighed just one pound, two ounces.
A Fight for Every Day
Born premature, Ella faced serious medical challenges from the very beginning. She experienced a list of complications and battled a life-threatening infection. It was during this period, when Ella was at her most fragile, that Nic had to return to North Dakota to keep their farming operation running during one of their busiest seasons.
“The doctors had us say goodbye to her.” Alexa Lundquist
Balancing a medical crisis, their livelihood, and the needs of their family became part of their daily reality.
As Ella’s condition worsened, the future felt painfully unclear. “The doctors had us say goodbye to her,” Alexa shared. In that moment, everything paused. Hope, fear, and the weight of what might come next settled in all at once.
Yet even in the uncertainty, Ella held on. Against the odds, she made it through the emergency surgery, offering a glimmer of strength the family desperately needed.
As Ella slowly recovered from the infection, doctors recommended a tracheostomy to ensure she could breathe safely. Nic and Alexa hesitated at first, not because they questioned the care team, but because life in rural North Dakota meant they didn’t have access to the specialists and support Ella would require. After considering every option, they said yes to the surgery, giving Ella the best chance to thrive.
“Being so close to the hospital gave you a sense of relief and let us worry about Ella.”
Nic Lundquist
In her first year of life, Ella spent 308 days in hospitals across the country — three months in Fort Myers, FL, three months in St. Petersburg, FL, and four months in Fargo, ND.
A Lifeline Across States
During this time of uncertainty, a hospital social worker suggested the Lundquists look into the local Ronald McDonald House. Their journey began at the Fort Myers House, which became a critical resource when Hurricane Ian devastated the region, making hotels and other housing options unavailable or incredibly
expensive. Needing specialized care at a different hospital, the family was transferred to St. Petersburg and found a home within another Ronald McDonald House.
Each House provided a consistent, welcoming space. “Being so close to the hospital gave you a sense of relief and let us worry about Ella,” Nic said. Finally, when Ella was stable enough, they were transferred back home to North Dakota. Finding comfort closer to home, the family arrived at the Fargo House, Ella’s final and longest stop.
A Home That Understands
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley truly understands the
without proper training and support. At the same time, Nic moved between Fargo and Langdon, maintaining the family farm while staying as present as he could for Ella and Alexa.
For the Lundquists, the Ronald McDonald Houses offered more than just a room. They offered a sense of normalcy. Giving Ella access to a playground, toys, books, and more, brought a sense of everyday life to an uncertain situation. Alexa shared, “[These kids] get to just be themselves. They still get to be a child. They aren’t stuck in a hospital room.” Because of the Ronald McDonald Houses, Nic and Alexa could focus on Ella’s care while volunteers and staff handled meals and offered support, helping lighten the pressure of being away from home during this time in their lives.
unique challenges rural families face when seeking specialized medical care. Living in Langdon, the Lundquists didn’t have access to the resources Ella required, making the distance to care one of their greatest hurdles. The Ronald McDonald House gave them the stability they needed while Ella continued to grow stronger.
Along with having access to necessary medical care in Fargo, Alexa stepped fully into a caregiver role, managing Ella’s trach care and daily medical routines — tasks that made returning home impossible
Harvesting Hope Together
Today, Ella thrives as a spirited, energetic toddler, though she will need additional care in the future. The Lundquists know that whenever challenges arise, the Ronald McDonald House will be there for them. “I can’t explain how much it means to have a place like this,” Nic said. For families in rural communities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley ensures access to care isn’t limited by distance, allowing hope, resilience, and love to grow even in the toughest seasons.
A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
CEO
As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting not only on the impact we made together in 2025, but on the strength of the community that makes our mission possible every single day. Your generosity and dedication continue to bring comfort, stability, and hope to families who need it most.
2025 also marked my 15th year with Ronald McDonald House. That milestone belongs to all who make this mission possible. It is reflected in the families who entrust us with their hardest days, the volunteers who serve with consistency, the donors who give with purpose, and the staff who support each other and our families every day.
Our staff bring this mission to life in countless ways each day. In the stories they share about their favorite parts of the House, the spaces and moments that mean the most to them and to the families we serve, you’ll hear the heart of who we are. Their experiences reflect the warmth, resilience, and care that define this place.
As we look ahead to our Sweetheart Ball and the rest of 2026, I am truly thankful for what we have built together and excited for all that is still to come.
With a heart full of gratitude,
Jill Christopher CEO
15 YEAR CELEBRATION CHEERS TO JILL 15 YEARS
On October 25, 2025, we celebrated a meaningful milestone as our CEO, Jill Christopher, marked 15 years of serving families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
What began with balloons, notes, and treats quickly grew into something extraordinary. Without Jill’s knowledge, our team set a goal to raise $15,000 in her honor. The response was overwhelming. More than 85 individuals and households gave in her honor, raising over $29,000 to support the families who call our House home.
Over the past 15 years, Jill has witnessed the full spectrum of life inside our walls, from children racing down the halls in joy to quiet moments of reflection and remembrance. Through it all, her steady leadership and compassion have been a constant source of strength.
We are deeply grateful for Jill’s dedication and for the incredible community that surrounded her with generosity. Together, you are ensuring families continue to find care, comfort, and a true home away from home when they need it most.
Ways to Support
RMH This Year
Get involved in a meaningful way. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer in our kitchen, prepare a meal that brings families together, or assist with cleaning and special projects. Choose a date that works for you by emailing us at volunteer@rmhcfargo.org.
Be an everyday hero. Support the House by shopping from our wishlists and helping provide the essential items families rely on every day.
Turn tabs into impact. Start a pop tab collection and invite friends, coworkers, or classmates to join you. Drop off your tabs anytime at the House, located at 4757 Agassiz Xing S, Fargo.
Stay connected. Be a Happy Helper. Sign up for our Happy Helper newsletter to receive monthly digital updates or a quarterly print edition filled with stories, impact, and ways to get involved. Sign up by scrolling to the bottom of our website.
Share the love. Follow us and spread the word on social media to help our mission reach even more families who need it most. facebook.com/RMHCRRV/ instagram.com/rmhcfargo/ linkedin.com/company/rmhcfargo/
Your Change can be the Change!
Did you know that there are 24 McDonald’s restaurants that work to fund our programs through the Round Up campaign?
Spanning from Fergus Falls to Jamestown, these teams work hard to uplift the mission of Ronald McDonald House of the Red River Valley and last year alone, the Round Up campaign contributed over $82,000 locally to helping families who are staying and receiving medical care in the FargoMoorhead area.
Now, Round Up is available on the McDonald’s App!
When you use the McDonald’s app to order for pickup at any of our 24 partnered restaurants, opt-in to “Round Up” for Ronald McDonald House of the Red River Valley.
Find your nearest participating McDonald’s and start Rounding Up!
Crookston
Detroit Lakes
Devils Lake
East Grand Forks
Fargo
Jamestown
Moorhead
Perham
Thief River Falls
Valley City
Fergus Falls Grand Forks
Wahpeton
West Fargo
STAFF HIGHLIGHT OUR TEAM
Kellcie Childress DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SERVICES
Favorite Room: Game Room
The Game Room is a cozy lounge filled with gaming consoles, movies, and a chance to unwind. Families can check out games and movies from the front desk and enjoy time together, creating moments of comfort and connection during challenging days.
Sarah Baumgarten
MISSION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Favorite Room: Conference Room
The Conference Room is where staff meetings spark creativity and fun, and where we welcome amazing volunteer groups. During the holidays, this room is transformed into a Christmas Shop, giving families the chance to choose gifts for their loved ones right here in the House — stress-free and full of joy.
Brooke Brekhus MISSION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Favorite Room: Dining Room
The Dining Room is a warm and bustling space where families gather, share meals, and build meaningful connections during their stay. It’s also where we host movie nights and special activities that bring comfort, laughter, and a sense of community.
Jill Christopher CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Favorite Room: Magic Room
The Magic Room is a place filled with wonder, gifts, and moments of joy. Every child who stays with us, including siblings, receives a special pass to this special space, giving them a chance to escape, play, and just be kids during a difficult time.
Mikayla
Young DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Favorite Room: Family Bedrooms
Behind each one of our 24 doors is a family’s story, filled with long nights, quiet moments, and both hope and heartache. All but four of these rooms are already sponsored, a powerful reminder that our community is helping create a safe, steady place for families to rest, regroup, and stay close to the care their child needs.
Audra Shelton COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Favorite Room: Kitchen
The kitchen is the true heart of the home. It’s where families and volunteers naturally come together to share good food, warm conversations, and the comfort of being surrounded by people who care. Your support helps keep this space filled with nourishment, connection, and the simple moments that make the House feel like home.
Makelle Gulleson COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Favorite Room: Petite Boutique
The Petite Boutique is a sweet, welcoming space where new and expecting parents can pick out baby essentials and celebrate a beautiful milestone in their family’s journey.
