From Our House to YOURS
Room for the Whole Family
FAMILY STORY: The Schultz Family
Bringing Comfort Closer to Care
When Luka was born on January 9, 2024, his parents, Kendra and Cody found themselves pulled in two directions—between their newborn in the NICU and their energetic toddler, Nolan. They found comfort in a place that kept both boys’ needs within reach.
Following the birth of her second son, Kendra woke to the news that no mother wants to receive. Luka had been rushed to the NICU and was on a CPAP machine, surrounded by monitors.
The diagnosis was unclear. A rare bacterial infection left the doctors with more questions than answers.
On Luka’s second day, Kendra was discharged, but there was no going home. Instead, they stayed with family-friends in Fargo. Understandably, Cody and Kendra didn’t want to be far from their baby boy.
The third day brought a milestone they’d anticipated for months—their two-and-ahalf-year-old son came to meet his baby brother. But the moment they’d imagined as joyful felt tense and uncertain.
Nolan sensed the worry in the room; he could barely lay eyes on Luka.
“Seeing his new baby brother hooked up to a bunch of machines was overwhelming for Nolan,” said Kendra.
Did you know?
RMHC partners with Essentia Health to provide a space within the hospital walls for families to rest and regroup steps away from their child.
Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia (Est. 2019)
On the same floor as the NICU, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia gave Nolan, and everyone else, a different kind of space. A place to play, to snack, to simply breathe.
By the fourth day, a rhythm developed. The worry and waiting were left outside when they entered the Family Room. It became their reset button, their safe zone, their place to regroup as a family.
“We could solely focus on playing with Nolan; he looked forward to that time with mom and dad,” said Cody.
The fifth day brought signs of improvement.
Cody and Kendra clung to every update, and still, every visit with Nolan ended the same way: in that cozy room, gathered around the fireplace, watching their son play.
Thanks to the Family Room, “we could solely focus on playing with Nolan; he looked forward to that time with mom and dad.”
Cody Schultz
On the sixth day, the nurses – who by now felt like family – shared encouraging words. Luka’s breathing had improved. The CPAP was gone. Now juggling the demands of caring for two children, both with very different needs, the Family Room allowed them to be close to their newborn without sacrificing family connection.
By the seventh day, they could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Luka’s vitals were steady, Nolan and his big personality had become a daily fixture in the hospital as he played hard, hugged big, and reminded everyone that life was still marching on in what felt like an isolated environment.
And finally, on the eighth day, Luka was cleared to go home!
He left the NICU wrapped in blankets, full of strength. No long-term effects, no cords, just a little boy with a big brother waiting for him outside. Nolan was ready, too. He wasn’t afraid anymore, spending those days growing into his new role.
The Family Room had brought them calm when the days felt heavy. It gave Nolan space to play, and his parents a spot to sit, eat, and be together.
That’s what the Family Room is all about, there when it’s needed most, offering comfort close in the heart of the hospital.
Luka’s first eight days were filled with uncertainty, questions, emotions that ran
deep, but because of the Family Room, the young family was grounded in love and connection.
That space complete with comfy chairs, toys, and even a shower to wash away the stress of the day, making all the difference. It gave two-year-old Nolan the room to become a big brother in his own way.
It gave parents Kendra and Cody the gift of being just down the hall when it mattered most.
And today, six incredible years after the founding of the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Essentia, this magical space continues to deliver that same care day after day, for countless people just like the Schultz family.
Family Room Volunteers
We couldn’t do what we do without an incredible group of volunteers! Thank you to these dedicated individuals for showing up and lending a hand to families in need.
CEO A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
Every time I step into the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia, I’m reminded that the most meaningful spaces aren’t defined by their square footage—but by the love, strength, and hope they hold.
The Family Room served an incredible 535 families last year. Inside the space, parents, siblings and family find rest when the ground feels unsteady, a place to play during long days at the hospital, snacks to fuel their days, and so much more.
It’s more than a room. It’s a lifeline. A landing place. A promise that no family walks alone.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you. Thank you to our incredible volunteers and our community of supporters for helping keep that promise and helping to provide a little peace and quiet for those everyday moments that truly matter.
With gratitude,
Jill Christopher CEO
From the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia
Each time a baby is born at Essentia, a lullaby plays. Just steps away, the Ronald McDonald Family Room offers vital comfort — a quiet place where families can rest, recharge, and remain close to their child.
For many, it becomes a lifeline during long, uncertain days. Hear from three families about how the space became a part of their story.
Five simple things we provide that become a lifeline for families with children in the hospital.
Hot Coffee
Toys & Tech
Hand-Knit Baby Hats
Israelson/Spelhaug Family
Shower & Toiletries
Board Games
The Israelson/Spelhaug family utilized the space on several occasions between their two children.
“Our community is so blessed to have access to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia. From taking a shower, to grabbing a quick snack and enjoying a good cup of coffee, the family room was such a comfort to both Grant and me.” – Taya Spelhaug
Mickelberg Family
The Mickelberg family spent Christmas together in the space while their child was in the NICU.
“We were able to spend Christmas together as a family in comfort thanks to the Ronald McDonald Family Room.“ – Nate Mickelberg
Hogan Family
The Hogan family used both the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald House while their son Aidan was in the NICU.
“Being able to get away yet still close enough just in case made the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia one of the most important parts of our daily NICU life.” – Rachel Hogan
Pull Together for Families RMHC
Does your school, club, or group want to make a big impact in a small but mighty way?
Host your own competition by collecting pop tabs to directly do good! It’s an easy, fun way to give back.
After you name the winner, drop your tabs off and we’ll recycle them, putting the money we receive from the aluminum to work helping sick children stay close to their families.
Drop Off: 4757 Agassiz Crossing S, Fargo, ND 58104
Questions?
Please contact us at rmh@rmhcfargo.org.
A La fromCarte the Heart
Help us provide the comforts of home on-the-go with healthy grab-and-go food items that are easy to take to the hospital, enjoy as a late-night snack, or pack for a long trip home.
This program compliments the warm evening meals and baked goods our volunteers lovingly provide and gives families more time and energy to focus on what matters most.
Shifts are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-2 p.m. Simply bring the ingredients and packaging needed to whip up your goodies in our kitchen. See you at the house!
FM Area Foundation Caring Catalog
September 29 – December 2
This year marks the FM Area Foundation’s 65th anniversary, and to celebrate, the Caring Catalog will run for 65 days! From September 29 to December 2, you can donate online at areafoundation.org/caringcatalog and support RMHC of the Red River Valley.
Our most urgent needs:
• Grab-and-go breakfast items
• Individual chips and snacks
• Coffee creamer
• K-Cups
Shop our wish list and have your donation shipped directly to us!
