From Our House to
YOURS
JANUARY 2024
FAMILY STORY:
The Beaton Family
Clara's Courage Finding Comfort in the Ronald McDonald House Clara Beaton has the kind of smile you
Clara’s story began before she was even
can’t help but return. Whether she’s playing
born, when Lana’s 20-week ultrasound took
on the swing set with her big sister Stella,
an unexpected turn.
chasing the family dogs around the yard, or baking a pan of brownies for her family, she exudes a joy that seems so much larger than
"We didn't get the exciting news that new parents hope for," Lana said.
her young body.
The ultrasound revealed that
To see Clara out in
“We couldn't get her body
the world, with
to do what we needed it
her big smile and
to do, to feel well and to
infectious giggle,
grow and to thrive.”
you would never
Lana Beaton
guess the challenges she has faced in her short life.
“She's been dealt such a terrible hand of cards in her seven and a half years, and the fact that she comes out on top of all of that
Clara would be born with Down syndrome and a significant heart defect. It was clear that Clara would need specialized medical attention and care–and a lot of it. But even those diagnoses couldn’t have prepared the
the family finally found an answer. She was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a congenital condition characterized by a deformity in the intestine. Imagine a puzzle missing a few pieces—Hirschsprung’s disease is like that, with sections of the intestine lacking the essential nerve cells
Beaton family for the long, arduous journey
that propel waste through the digestive
that lay ahead of them.
system. The lack of movement often leads
"We just couldn't get her system regulated. We couldn't get her body to do what we
just is amazing,” said Clara’s mother, Lana
needed it to do, to feel well and to grow and
Beaton. “She is just a spitfire of a kid–just
to thrive,” Lana said.
this joyful, loving, fun, spicy little character.”
It wasn’t until Clara was two years old that
to a blockage, causing pain and a host of complications. For Clara, it meant additional medical concerns alongside her existing conditions.
Continued on pg. 2
"She's had more procedures and hospital
fully-equipped kitchens and laundry
“Being the sibling of a kid that has
stays than we can count–we lost track at
facilities lightened the burden that would
extraordinary needs like Clara can be
hundreds,” Lana said. “And yet, somehow,
otherwise come with extended hospital
really hard,” Lana said. “She's incredibly
she overcomes it all the time.”
stays. The House had everything the family
rewarding and she's a lot of fun and she's
needed–and many things they didn’t
super cute, but she also requires a ton of
The Need for a Home Away From Home
know they wanted.
attention from her parents.”
The Beaton family was unable to access
"We all want to be where our families are.
friends to make, and, most importantly,
We want to be with our mom; we want to
time to spend with her family.
the specialized medical care that Clara required in their hometown of Grand Forks,
be with our siblings. We want to curl up with our dad and read a book.”
the family across the Midwest, from Fargo
Lana Beaton
in various cities began to take their toll. “I couldn’t peel myself away, but I also missed my family,” Lana said. “And they missed her and they missed me.” The Ronald McDonald House offered Lana and her family a solution, providing a place for the entire family to stay.
“She called it her McDonald’s Hotel,”
I want to start with heartfelt
a play room to spend time with siblings, and
our mission is absolutely one of the most incredible parts of my
world when a child is critically ill.
gratitude. The generosity that fuels
space to have family togetherness mean the
job. Your amazing support of our
Your generosity makes this space possible.
mission in 2023 has a profound
Comfort and Connection
the Beaton family.
blended foods to help with her digestive
Clara’s medical journey is far from
The Beatons–and hundreds of other
system, Lana made use of the RMHC
over. There will be more surgeries, more
kitchen, where she could blend the
questions, more fear. But no matter where
While Clara needed to be fed exclusively
chicken and veggies and bring them back
the road leads them, the Beaton family
to the hospital–no need to trek the hour
can rest assured that they will have a safe
back to Grand Forks.
place to stay together while Clara heals.
For big sister Stella Beaton, RMHC has
“We all want to be where our families are.
been more than just a temporary
We want to be with our mom; we want to
home away from home. It's a sanctuary
be with our siblings. We want to curl up
The convenience of being close to the
for playfulness, laughter, and shared
with our dad and read a book,” Lana said.
hospital, comfortable accommodations,
moments with Clara.
“I don't think you can lose when you're
and access to amenities such as
CEO
Lana said.
to Rochester to Ohio. While the family’s the endless trips to and from the hospitals
JILL CHRISTOPHER
At the House, Stella has toys to play with,
ND. Clara’s hundreds of procedures took
worries were on Clara and not themselves,
A NOTE FROM A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
keeping kids close to their families.”
impact on families, families like
families–have found comfort and support within the walls of our Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family
These contributions – including monetary and in-kind donations as well as volunteer time – are not just donations; they are a beacon of hope for the families we serve. Thank you for helping families feel at home— even when they can’t be. It means the world.
Room programs. Little things like a kitchen to prepare food,
Jill Christopher CEO
Measure of Love
Cookbook
Scan here to purchase
Measure of Love features a collection of 40 recipes offered by local chefs, past families, and RMHC enthusiasts who believe in the healing power of food. This cookbook honors the brave families who have called our house a home, celebrates the tremendous impact of generous hearts, and pays tribute to the labor of love invested through our volunteers, board members, staff, and community partners. This beautiful hard-bound book contains 40 excellent recipes to share with those you love most!
Best of all, your purchase provides the gift of hope for families calling our house a home.
Cookbooks are $40 each, with all proceeds supporting our mission of Keeping Families Together.
rmhcfargo.org/cookbook
Join us on Saturday, February 10 Delta by Marriott I 6 P.M.
Our Sweetheart Ball is always a special evening to honor the brave families who have called our house a home and celebrate the generous hearts that 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 amenities of home, a stocked pantry, hot meals, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a place to feel safe and comfortable when a family is facing the uncertainty a medical diagnosis brings.
RSVP Today www.rmhcfargo.org
Thank
you
of the Red River Valley
for providing support, comfort, connection, hospitality and hope.
4757 AGASSIZ CROSSING FARGO, ND 58104
Best day of the
YEAR!
NO NEED TO WAIT! Schedule your Giving Hearts Day gift today or plan to give February 8. GivingHeartsDay.org