From Our House to
YOURS
SEPTEMBER 2026
FA M ILY STO RY:
The Ryan Family 45 Nights
Full Circle of Love
“We try to find little ways to give back.” Melissa Ryan
From a Hospital Room to a Hometown Tradition of Giving “We try to find little ways to give back,” says
When they were finally reunited, Silvee was
Melissa Ryan.
surrounded by IVs, monitors, and medical
That spirit of giving is exactly what the small North Shore Plaza School, home to just 240 students in grades K-12—has been doing
equipment. She had breathing support while a feeding tube and IV provided the nourishment she needed.
for years, all because of one little girl: Silvee
For nearly two weeks in Minot, ND, Melissa
Ryan of Surrey, North Dakota.
and Dan waited as doctors searched
Silvee was born on December 14, 2022, with a full head of dark hair and unexpected medical challenges. Her parents, Melissa and Dan Ryan, didn’t know anything was wrong until moments after she was born. They watched as the medical team whisked
for answers. Despite genetic testing and consultations with the NICU team there, Silvee’s condition wasn’t improving. Shortly after Christmas, Silvee was transferred by ambulance to Fargo for specialized care. With the last-minute decision to move Silvee
their newborn daughter out of the room.
to Fargo, Melissa arrived with just a bag and
They wouldn’t hold her until the
a breast pump. Knowing she would need
next morning.
to stay close to Silvee, the hospital case
manager connected her with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley. Over the next month, Melissa made the short trip between the House and the hospital countless times. Just blocks apart, the House gave her a place to rest without ever feeling far from Silvee. While at Sanford, a new round of testing finally provided the answers Melissa and Dan had been searching for. An oral and maxillofacial specialist interrupted his Christmas break to evaluate Silvee. The Ryan family still talks about his willingness to step away from his own holiday to care for their daughter. His expertise led to the diagnosis of Pierre Robin Sequence, a condition affecting her jaw and airway that made breathing and eating difficult. With answers finally in hand, Silvee’s care team could begin developing a plan for her treatment. During the next month, Ronald McDonald House became Melissa’s home away from home. She found warm meals after long days in the NICU, a place to do laundry, transportation to and from the hospital, somewhere to safely store breast milk, and a community that understood exactly what she was experiencing. At the same time, Daniel and Melissa’s mom, Kathy, were able to join her whenever they
could, taking turns staying with Silvee while also caring for the couple’s other children back home in Surrey. “The House helped me stay healthy,” Melissa says. “I had nourishing meals, a comfortable place to sleep, and an overwhelming feeling of positivity. Taking care of myself meant I could be there to take care of Silvee. Having Daniel and my mom there to share the load whenever they could made all the difference.” “It was so close to the hospital,” she adds. “I could quickly return whenever Silvee needed me.” Little by little, Silvee grew stronger. After undergoing surgery to place a G-tube and a jaw expansion device, she was finally able to go home on February 1. Now three years old, Silvee has undergone additional surgeries to repair a cleft palate, remove the jaw expansion device, and place tubes in her ears. Through it all, she has remained incredibly resilient. Her parents describe her as exceptionally smart and more than a little “spicy.” Grateful for the care they received, Melissa has become an advocate for Ronald McDonald House. For the past 3 school years, North Shore Plaza School, where Melissa works as a school counselor, has collected thousands of pop tabs to support RMHC. All to honor Silvee and the other families that have been lucky enough to utilize the House. “Ronald McDonald House of the Red River Valley was our home away from home while Silvee was in the hospital, and it really
opened my eyes to how important it is for these families to have
For Melissa, that’s why North Shore Plaza School continues
such a great place to get some time away from the hospital.”
collecting pop tabs each year.
Today, the Ryan family’s visits to Fargo are shorter, but Ronald
“We had such a great experience at Ronald McDonald House,”
McDonald House of the Red River Valley still feels like home.
she says. “It gave me the opportunity to take care of myself so
Silvee has her own routine when she arrives and eagerly looks
I could be there for Silvee. Knowing it’s there gives families one
for her favorite snacks. The little touches, fresh donuts, seasonal
less thing to worry about, and we’re grateful other families can
decorations, flowers, and warm smiles help transform stressful
have that same support.”
medical visits into something that feels a little lighter.
“Knowing it’s there gives families one less thing to worry about, and we’re grateful other families can have that same support.” Melissa Ryan
A NOTE FROM
JILL CHRISTOPHER CEO
One of the greatest privileges of being part of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red
River Valley for the past 16 years is watching our community come together to care for families with sick kids when they need it most.
I’ve witnessed countless moments that remind me of why our work matters. I’ve seen volunteers transform an ordinary evening into a night filled with laughter. I’ve watched donors quietly make it possible for parents to stay just steps away from their hospitalized child without any recognition. And I’ve seen children, siblings, and parents find moments of joy, connection, and hope during incredibly difficult times. These moments are possible because of you - our community that continues to grow alongside us.
to grow, one thing has never changed: our commitment to keeping families close when it matters most. And that’s just the beginning. This fall we are excited to celebrate a new milestone in our mission and invite you to join us at our ribbon cutting on October 13th at 11:30am at our Ronald McDonald House in Fargo. We will share a fresh expression of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley—one that better reflects the hope, comfort, and community you’ve helped build. While some things will look a little different, our heart, our purpose, and our mission remain exactly the same. I can’t wait to tell you more. With a heart full of gratitude,
As the needs of families have changed, we’ve continued to evolve by expanding our Ronald McDonald House, enhancing our programs, and creating new ways to provide comfort, care, and connection. While our services continue
Jill Christopher CEO
Save the Date Rebrand Ribbon Cutting Help us Celebrate a New Chapter
Who
FMWF Community - you!
When
What
Rebrand Launch
Where Ronald McDonald House Fargo,
11:30 am, Tuesday, October 13, 2026
4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo
Donuts Do Good for Ronald McDonald House Fargo
Who
FMWF Community
What
A sweet way to sprinkle support for the mission of Ronald McDonald House Fargo
When
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Where Ronald McDonald House Fargo, 4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo
Saturday, February 13, 2027 Delta by Marriott 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. Funds raised at this event directly benefit families with critically ill children receiving medical care in Fargo. Your support provides a place to stay, the comforts of home, a stocked pantry, hot meals, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a place to feel safe and cared for when a family is facing the uncertainty of a medical diagnosis.
Dinner
Program
Silent & Live Auction
Live Music & Dance
More information coming soon! rmhcfargo.org/sweetheart-ball
A PEEK INTO THE FUN WITH
Block Parties & Movie Nights From block parties to movie nights, these moments bring laughter, connection, and a little normalcy to family stays.
Activities for the Whole Family Games, crafts, playtime, and shared activities give families opportunities to have fun and make memories together. These may seem like small moments, but for families facing incredibly difficult circumstances, they can mean so much.
They’re possible because of you. Every volunteer, donor, and community partner helps create a House filled with comfort, connection, and hope. Because keeping families close is about more than a place to stay. It’s about helping families feel at home.
Pull Together for Families Drop Off: 4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo, ND 58104
Questions? Please contact us at rmh@rmhcfargo.org.
Our Pop Tab program has a fresh new house design, but it still carries the same big heart! You and your club or classroom can turn everyday recycling into a fun group project! Set a collection goal together and see how quickly your tab total grows.
Get involved in our community effort with these three easy steps:
1.
Pick up our newly designed poptab house.
2. 3.
Fill it up with tabs. Drop if off at the House!
Every Car Can Drive Change!
Donate your car, boat, or motorized vehicle to support Ronald McDonald House Fargo! Your donation is free, simple, and taxdeductible, and proceeds help keep families together and provide the comforts of home while their children receive medical care.
1.
Call 855-227-1822 or start online
2. 3.
Schedule your free pickup.
4.
Receive your paperwork for your tax-deductible gift. Turn your vehicle into support for families today!
Donate Your Vehicle
4757 AGASSIZ CROSSING FARGO, ND 58104
Wishlist + Ways to Give Our most urgent needs: • Disposable Coffee Cups • Diapers - all sizes • Unscented Tide Pods • Dishwasher Detergent • Coffee Creamer All items can be delivered to
4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo, ND 58104
Target
Amazon
Ella Lundquist
Don’t have time to shop? Donate here instead: https://rmhcfargo.org/donate-today/