Yours
There for Them, Through it All, Three Times
November 2026
From Our House To
Finding Comfort and Hope Through Loss
Family Story:
Most families never imagine they’ll need
when
a Ronald McDonald House, let alone
complications
return three times. For the Burley family
arose, and they lost their
of Fosston, Minnesota, Ronald McDonald
son, Cameron Russell, who
House Fargo has been there for them
was stillborn at 31 weeks. After such a
multiple times over the past five years,
painful loss, the Burley family was both
through some of the most difficult and
overjoyed and understandably
joyful moments of their journey to grow
cautious when they found out they
their family.
were expecting again.
Nicole and Travis Burley first shared
During Nicole’s second pregnancy, she
their story with us in November 2020,
was closely monitored. In her final
when they were navigating a season of
trimester, she developed preeclampsia
uncertainty while growing their family.
and needed to remain in Fargo for the
During that time, Ronald McDonald
duration of her pregnancy. For the next
House Fargo became a place where they
five weeks, Ronald McDonald House
found comfort, connection, and support. In January 2019, the couple learned they were expecting a baby boy. Their excitement quickly turned to heartbreak
Fargo gave Nicole and Travis a place to stay supported, connected and cared for while keeping Nicole close to the medical care she needed.
The Burley Family 86 Nights
“It’s hard to say if we’d have a family without Ronald McDonald House.” Nicole Burley
Nicole remembers, “It was crucial for me to be close to the
While the girls’ births brought great joy, the Burleys’ journey to
hospital, and the House allowed me to do that.” Thanks to that
grow their family was not over. In 2024, Nicole and Travis were
care, Nikaia was born March 23, 2020, at 36 weeks, just one year
thrilled to learn they were expecting another baby, a boy they
to the day after the loss of her brother, Cameron.
named Creed. Tragically, Nicole miscarried, bringing another
Fast forward two years. The Burleys are overjoyed to find
loss to a family already familiar with grief.
out they are expecting another baby girl. But once again,
“I was so heartbroken after losing Creed. But ultimately,
complications arose. At 26 weeks, Nicole developed high
we decided we would try for one more child, no matter
blood pressure and preeclampsia and needed to stay close to
what happened.”
the hospital in Fargo for monitoring. Ronald McDonald House Fargo was there for them once again, providing a place to stay just minutes from the care Nicole needed. The couple shuttled between the hospital and Ronald
Their fifth pregnancy brought a very different experience. There was no preeclampsia and no extended hospital stay. Knowing Nicole was considered high-risk, her doctors began monitoring her twice a week at 28 weeks and scheduled a delivery for 36
McDonald House Fargo, just blocks away, for appointments and
weeks and 1 day. This time, her stay at Ronald McDonald House
monitoring. On April 29, at 34 ½ weeks, they welcomed baby
Fargo was brief, just one night before her C-section. On August
Sarai. Sarai would spend her first week in the NICU, making it
22, 2025, Kiara was born.
invaluable for the family to stay nearby. While one parent stayed at the hospital with Sarai, the other
Today, their home and hearts are full in every sense of the word. Nikaia, 6, is kind and curious. Sarai, 4, is full of spunk. And little
could be at the House with Nikaia, who was turning two. The
Kiara, 1, their “unicorn pregnancy,” is the joyful ending to a long,
Burleys fondly remember celebrating Nikaia’s second birthday
difficult road.
at the House, where she loved playing in the toy room and burning off energy on the playground.
Through five pregnancies, heartbreaking losses, unexpected complications, and countless moments of uncertainty, the Burley family has continued to find hope. And three times along the way, Ronald McDonald House Fargo has been there for them. “It’s hard to say if we’d have a family without Ronald McDonald House,” Nicole shared. “Living two hours away could have been life or death when it came to monitoring and treatment. It was crucial for me to be close to the hospital, and Ronald McDonald House allowed me to do that.”
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R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E FA R G O
A Note From
Jill Christopher CEO Since 1982, Ronald McDonald
There’s a difference between someone who stops
House in Fargo has been keeping
by and someone who stays. Visitors come and go,
families together when children need
providing support as they’re able…but families?
healthcare, providing comfort, care, and
Families stay. They stay in every hard conversation,
connection for families during one of their
every impossible decision. They put their entire
most challenging times – a sick child. In 2025, Ronald McDonald House Global
lives on hold just to be close to the one who needs them most.
introduced a global brand update to create a
At Ronald McDonald House, we believe that when
more unified and recognizable identity across all
a child is in the hospital, family stays. And we stay
chapters. As part of this effort, chapters around the
with and for them. While our visual look is new, we
world have adopted a new name, tagline, and logo.
remain committed to the belief that family is vital to
These updates better reflect who we are and what
healing, and that parents and caregivers should be
we do, all while ensuring that families remain at the
fully supported throughout their child’s
heart of our mission.
medical journey.
For us, that means a new name. On October 15,
Because of your support, families can stay
2026, we became Ronald McDonald House Fargo,
just steps from the hospital, surrounded by
replacing Ronald McDonald House Charities of
community—for as long as they need us.
the Red River Valley. It’s a change that we believe
Family Stays because of you.
better reflects who we are and anchors us in the community we call home. Our refreshed identity
With gratitude,
includes an updated logo and a unifying global tagline: Family Stays. Jill Christopher, CEO
Wishlist + Ways to Give
Target
Amazon
Venmo
House Wishlist • • • •
Cereal Cups K-Cups (decaf and regular) Paper Towels Laundry Detergent
All items can be delivered to 4757 Agassiz Crossing S Fargo, ND 58104
NOVEMBER 2026
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B OA R D O F
Directors During this season of gratitude, we are especially thankful for our Board of Directors. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment help keep families at the heart of all we do. We are grateful for the time, wisdom, and care they bring to our mission
Members
Jessica Shawn
Ashley Bjerke
WEX
PRESIDENT
McDonald’s
Jodi Bucholz
Michael Carlson
Stoneridge Software
VICE PRESIDENT
Lindsey DiFiore
Sterling Trust
Rachel Schall Aldevron
Concordia College
Kate Klemetson
and for the many ways they help strengthen
TREASURER
Goldmark Property Management
our House and support the families we serve.
Mandi Swanson
Theresa Larson
A special thank you to Scott Steinmetz, who will be concluding his service on our Board this year.
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Officers
R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E FA R G O
Essentia Health SECRETARY
Sanford Health
Heather Simonich Concordia College
Scott Steinmetz WEX
Donuts Do Good and Rebrand Ribbon Cutting Recap New Look, Same Heart We recently celebrated a milestone with the ribbon cutting for our new Ronald McDonald House brand! While this is a new chapter for our organization, families remain at the heart of our care. This new brand is about more than a new look. It reflects our continued commitment to caring for families with children who are ill or injured, removing barriers, and promoting healing. It honors our legacy while helping us step into the future with clarity, compassion, and renewed purpose, with an ambition to serve more families and serve them better. We’re grateful to the community members, partners, and supporters who joined us to celebrate this exciting next chapter. And a special thank-you to Sandy’s Donuts for making the celebration extra sweet through their Donuts Do Good support!
NOVEMBER 2026
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Saturday, February 13, 2027 Delta by Marriott, Fargo 6:00 pm
Join us! Our Sweetheart Ball is a night to honor the families who have found a Home within our walls and the generous hearts who make our mission possible. This year, we’re celebrating a beautiful truth: Love Is Multiplied Here. From twins and triplets to even quintuplets, we know that when more little hearts arrive, love grows right alongside them. But so do the needs of a family navigating medical
Dinner 6
Program
Silent and Live Auction
R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E FA R G O
care. Our House is here to surround families with the comfort, care, and community they need during some of life’s most uncertain moments. Funds raised at this event directly benefit families with children receiving medical care in Fargo. Your support provides more than a place to stay, it provide a place to stay strong. Because here, love isn’t divided, it’s multiplied.
Live Music and Dance
Give with Purpose Explore meaningful ways to give families more than just a place to stay but a place to stay strong.
IRA REQUIRED MINIMUM
Recurring Giving Become a House Hero! Your monthly gift provides reliable, ongoing support that helps keep our mission strong all year long. We rely on our recurring givers to help make a lasting impact, one month at a time.
NORTH DAKOTA TAX CREDIT
Endowment Gifts The state of North Dakota offers a generous 40 percent 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!
Disributions
Make an immediate impact on our mission and avoid taxes on transfers up to $100,000 from your IRA direct to Ronald McDonald House Fargo. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make your gift. Our tax ID number is 45-0365598.
Vehicle Donations Donate your used vehicle, boat, or motorized vehicle and support our House. It’s fast, free, easy, and tax deductible.
Thrivent 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 Fargo.
Other Ways to Give There are many ways to support our House, including Donor-Advised Funds, employer matching gifts, and more. Every gift helps provide families extra comfort and care.
Questions?
Gifts of Stock Donating appreciated stock may allow you to receive a tax deduction for its fair market value while avoiding capital gains tax.
Contact Mikayla Young at 701.232.3980 or mikayla@ronaldmcdonaldhousefargo.org.
NOVEMBER 2026
7
4757 Agassiz Crossing S Fargo, ND 58104
February 11, 2027 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. On February 11, your support gives comfort, strength, and togetherness to families when they need it most. Early giving starts January 11, 2027!
February 13, 2027 Delta by Marriott | 6:00 pm The Sweetheart Ball honors families relying on our House and generous supporters. Funds raised directly provide comfort, care, and community to families navigating their children’s medical care in Fargo.
Join us for the event!