Tasha’s Creative Photography, St. Charles, Minn.

It’s a Minnesota family’s dream: a Hawaiian vacation to escape the winter cold. But for Jill and Greg…it quickly turned into a scary and stressful reality.

Greg’s parents were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary and paid for all their kids and grandkids to join them on the tropical trip. Despite being 32 weeks pregnant, Jill was assured it was safe for her to travel and enjoy time with family. Everything was good.

Until she went into labor.

“I couldn’t believe it; I was seven weeks early,” said Jill. “But Anna was coming.”

Anna was born in a small hospital on the island of Kauai – the fourth largest Hawaiian Island with a population of 73,298. She was in the hospital for two days, but her condition was deteriorating. The hospital did not have the resources to support her level of need, so she was life-flighted to Honolulu.

“She was losing weight and wasn’t breathing well,” said Greg.

“When you hear that your newborn child needs to be life-flighted and is in critical condition…it’s serious,” Jill said.

Anna was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She was four pounds when she was born, and her lungs were not fully developed. She simply needed more time.

But Jill and Greg were 4,000 miles from home. What would they do? Where would they stay? How much would it cost? All their questions were answered by the Ronald McDonald House on Oahu Avenue in Manoa Valley.

Before Jill, Greg, and Anna arrived in Honolulu, a social worker told them about Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii. Jill and Greg knew about Ronald McDonald Houses in Minnesota, but assumed they were financial based and that they would not meet the criteria.

“Thankfully…we were wrong,” said Jill.

Tasha’s Creative Photography, St. Charles, Minn.

“We were not prepared for a one-month stay in Hawaii,” Greg said. “The House allowed us to focus on getting Anna healthy and getting Anna home.”

“We were so far from home, and we needed a place to stay while Anna grew stronger,” said Jill. “The staff and other guests quickly became our family.”

“Our stay was eight years ago, and we have maintained those friendships,” Greg said.

While Jill and Greg were in Honolulu with Anna, their two older daughters – Emma and Sara – continued the family vacation with their grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Both remember their mom leaving for the hospital, saying, “I’m not having the baby,” followed by a month without their parents in Hawaii and Minnesota.

“It’s an experience I will never forget,” said Emma.

“Our extended family watched over us; everything was OK,” said Sara.

“We finished the nursery and prepared for our baby sister to come home,” Emma said.

While doctors in Hawaii were not particularly excited for Anna to travel – let alone fly – during cold and flu season, Jill and Greg advocated for her return to Minnesota to be with her sisters, family, and medical team at Mayo Clinic.

So, after three weeks…Anna came home.

And she experienced no complications.

When Jill and Greg returned home, they told their older daughters about their time in the hospital, particularly the pet therapy dogs. Emma had previously trained their golden retriever, Bailey, for 4-H. 4-H is a network of youth organizations, whose original motto referenced head, heart, hands, and health. Their story gave Emma an idea…

“Bailey is the definition of a therapy dog,” said Emma. “And once we completed her certification, we wanted to volunteer at the nearby Ronald McDonald House.”

Emma and Bailey started volunteering when Emma was 14 years old. They started in hospice care and nursing homes, but their hearts were with kids. When the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester called for Emma and Bailey to start…they signed up immediately.

That was seven years ago.

“Seeing kids smile and parents relax as they spend time with Bailey…” Emma said. “It makes it all worth it.”

When Emma graduated and left for college, Sara was excited for her opportunity to volunteer with Bailey at the House. After watching Emma train Bailey, she trained the neighbor’s dog. And after watching Emma and Bailey volunteer for years, she was ready to step in as the primary handler.

“I learned so much from Emma,” said Sara. “And I simply enjoy making people happy; bringing joy.”

Jill, Greg, and Anna occasionally accompanied Emma, Sara, and Bailey on the visits to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. They recently added Nelli, a second golden retriever, to the family, and Anna hopes she can train her and volunteer at the House one day.

“The Ronald McDonald House on Oahu Avenue was an incredible gift for our family,” said Greg. “We love returning and giving back, and we love volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.”

Tasha’s Creative Photography, St. Charles, Minn.

Ethan (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

Surprises are generally good, but when Ethan was born…it was a challenging surprise for him and his parents.

“You can’t see it on an ultrasound,” said Kim, Ethan’s mom. Doctors in our hospital had never seen anything like it. No one knew what it was or what was in store for him.”

Ethan was born with giant congenital nevus, a disorder characterized by skin lesions (spots) and possible tumors. He has thousands of spots of all shapes and sizes all over his skin and even a large nevus that makes it look like he is wearing a pair of brown shorts—it stretches from the middle of his back to just above his knees. Ethan also has neurocutaneous melanosis, which means he has spots on his brain. It is a rare disorder, affecting 1 in 500,000 people.

But they quickly learned Ethan was “extremely lucky.”

Ethan and his parents, Jeff and Kim (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

“When he was born, he had several very large lumps across his back that were the size of large eggs,” Kim said. “We did not know if these growths were cancerous. We worried about his spinal cord and brain being affected. But it was not the worst-case scenario.”

Because the hospitals near their Iowa hometown do not have pediatric dermatology or neurology departments, the family traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for the first time when Ethan was only 10 days old. They traveled to Rochester 13 times in the first year for clinic visits, MRI’s, and multiple procedures with a pediatric plastic surgeon.

Ethan’s first surgery was when he was just four months old, to remove the very large growths across his back. Another surgery resulted in more than 25 inches of incisions up and down his little legs and back. The pain was “excruciating.” But his condition slowly improved, and he experienced no setbacks.

“Ethan has grown so much,” said Kim. “He is resilient. He is an amazing kid.”

Ethan (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

Appointments have gradually declined over time, as Ethan now needs only one or two visits per year. It is an upward and positive trend. They are always on the lookout for signs that one of the nevus spots could signal a change to skin cancer and they watch to make sure the brain spots do not cause neurological issues. But he is blessed to have no issues to date.

Kim heard generalities about Ronald McDonald Houses, but she did not know specifics. They did not stay at the House on their initial visit, but stayed for the first time after Ethan’s surgery when he was four months old…and have stayed at the House on 11 separate occasions over the past 13 years.

She described walking through the doors as “incredible,” particularly for parents in very stressful and scary times. Clean spaces, welcoming faces, and stocked food pantries made the family feel safe, comfortable, and “at home.”

While there is nothing normal about being away from home and dealing with a health crisis, Kim said the House provides families with a “glimpse of normalcy.” Families can prepare and eat meals together in the kitchens and unwind in the living spaces, like they would at home. The family has celebrated holidays and even birthdays at the House and Ethan “always felt special when he was there.”

Ethan and his parents, Jeff and Kim (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

“Ethan wasn’t scared when he was at the House,” said Kim. “He loves staying at the House more than a hotel. Ethan played with the Thomas the Train table for hours when he was little and, now that he is older, enjoys the Game Room. Coming back to the House was always an incentive for Ethan to get up and moving after surgery, so he could get discharged from the hospital sooner.

And the House proximity to Saint Marys Campus is important.

“We could run home and eat, nap, shower,” said Kim. “We did not want to leave Ethan alone for very long at the hospital. And we did not have to…because of the House.”

Kim said House volunteers are “amazing; always investing in the kids.”

“Their time and effort are generous donations,” Kim said.

The House is supported by many generous donors and companies, both in the Rochester community and beyond. And while Rochester residents may not stay at the House, they probably know someone who has or will need the House at one time or another. Their financial and in-kind support is so important.

Ethan (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

“It is humbling how much Rochester and the surrounding communities invest in the House,” said Kim. “Donors have a direct impact on families. And it truly shows community pride.”

“The House is invaluable.”

Fast forward 13 years and Ethan is a smart, energetic teenage boy. He is in school and enjoys activities, such as swimming, watching dirt track racing, and sports activities—particularly after a recent undefeated season in junior high football.

And he loves helping others.

Since their first stay in 2009, Ethan and his family have collected pop tabs to raise awareness and support for the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. They have donated approximately 2000 pounds of pop tabs over 13 years. Friends and family, community members and strangers collect pop tabs for Ethan and the House.

“We love coming home to bags of pop tabs—large or small—sitting on our doorstep,” Kim said. “It’s an honor to give back to a place that has given us so much, on behalf of our friends, family, and community.”

“It does not cost anything, and it is an easy and free way for people to give back to the House. And it makes a difference. One pop tab can turn into something more—so much more.”

“Contributing to the House gives every single person the ability to be a part of something bigger. The House changes people. It makes us better. I like to say that we are better people after getting the opportunity to be inspired by the House.”

Ethan’s prognosis is positive—his skin spots have some minimal negative side effects and people are naturally curious about his spots. But he deals with the challenges with maturity and grace.

“Many people do not know his story; they only see his skin,” said Kim. “But the House knows him; and the House sees him.”

Ethan and his parents, Jeff and Kim (Artistic Expressions, Rock Rapids, Iowa)

Javohn (Photography by Fagan Studios)

Javohn and his dad, Thomas, did not expect such a long and difficult journey. But after two tumors and one year of radiation and chemotherapy…it is almost time for Javohn to rejoin his five siblings in Belize.

“He is a fighter; he is strong,” said Thomas. “And he has so much joy.”

When doctors in Belize – a Central American country with less than 500,000 people – discovered a tumor on Javohn’s brain, they said, “Take him to the United States…if you want him to live.” His first surgery was in Denver and it was successful, but he would need a second surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. After the surgery, doctors recommended radiation treatment for three months. All was well.

One year later, during a routine checkup at Mayo Clinic, doctors discovered the brain tumor was gone…but he developed a tumor on his skull. Javohn needed eight months of chemotherapy. The treatment plan was hard on his body, particularly his kidneys. But it is almost time to go home.

Thomas (dad), Javohn, Doret (mom), and Thomas Jr. (brother) (Photography by Fagan Studios)

“It is rough,” Thomas said. “This is the first time our family has been apart. But it is something we need to do.”

When they first arrived in Rochester, they stayed at a hotel because their situation was short-term; when they learned about the additional treatment, they were referred to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.

“I was shocked,” said Thomas. “I did not expect this hospitality. It is truly a home away from home. It is amazing.”

Thomas mentioned the volunteers who made them feel welcome, despite it being a different country and culture. And how he can only say thanks to the donors who have provided so much for him and his family.

“The House has everything we need,” Thomas said. “It is perfect.”

Javohn (Photography by Fagan Studios)

“It keeps my mind off of the hard things that I am going through,” said Javohn.

Javohn’s mom, Doret, and Thomas have taken turns staying at the House and caring for their other children in Belize. One of his brothers, Thomas Jr., has visited as well. But Javohn has not seen his other four siblings, including his twin sister, in nearly one year.

“I talk to her every day,” Javohn said. “I miss them all so much.”

“It is always noisy at our house,” said Thomas.

Javohn and Thomas experienced many firsts during their time in Minnesota, including snow and sub-zero temperatures. It is rare for the temperature to drop below 60 degrees any day in Belize; Rochester was negative-15 degrees on a February day.

“They said it would be cold,” Thomas said. “It is different in Minnesota than it is in Belize. But the House provided winter clothing and Mayo Clinic is connected by walkways.”

“We were very thankful.”

Even though it is summer in Minnesota, Javohn is excited for summer at home.

“I cannot wait to fish, farm, and work,” said Javohn.

Thomas (dad), Javohn, Doret (mom), and Thomas Jr. (brother) (Photography by Fagan Studios)

The family grows its own ground food – plantains, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, pumpkins, papayas, bananas, mangoes – which Javohn enjoys harvesting. Mangoes are currently in season and particularly delicious.

Javohn and Thomas are excited to be on the water back home, but they were able to experience fly fishing and ice fishing with a friend in Minnesota. They described the latter as “crazy, but fun!”

“This is the most time he has ever spent inside; he is always outside,” said Thomas.

Javohn will need medical evaluations every three months for the next two years. Each visit should be short in duration. Doctors are currently working on a plan for Javohn to be seen closer to home, but as Thomas said, “The Ronald McDonald House is our home.”

“The House kept Javohn alive,” Thomas said.

Thomas (dad), Thomas Jr. (brother), Doret (mom), and Javohn (Photography by Fagan Studios)

Märit Williams Photography

Evangeline means good news. For mom and dad, Karissa and Ryan, the good news had complications…and came three months early.

“Karissa was being seen for a routine prenatal appointment when she was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia,” Ryan said. “They transported her to Rochester by helicopter.”

“It was scary.”

The result: Evangeline was born three months premature. She suffered from Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) — a hole in her heart — and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). And she was at risk for many other things: spontaneous brain bleeding, gastrointestinal complications, eye malformations and loss of vision, cerebral palsy, and more. Because of these complications and their effect on her lungs, Evangeline was placed on oxygen.

Märit Williams Photography

But as she grew and reached her original due date, their concerns began to fade.

“She has not had any major complications,” Ryan said. “She has good vision, her gut and stomach work as they should, and she does not show any negative brain functioning symptoms.”

Evangeline is no longer on oxygen and her ASD — which will eventually be closed by catheter or open-heart surgery — does not require medication. Currently, her heart condition “causes her to tire out faster than other children.” But once it is closed, her endurance will be “the same as any other child.”

Märit Williams Photography

“Evangeline has monthly follow-up appointments with different specialists and will need surgery in the coming years, but her future is very bright,” said Ryan. “She is strong and healthy and is further developing her personality.”

“She brightens our lives each and every day.”

When Ryan and Karissa arrived in Rochester, they were somewhat familiar with Ronald McDonald House Charities, but the more they learned about the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester…the more they were amazed.

Märit Williams Photography

“Living through an acutely traumatic experience — premature delivery of our daughter — and a stressful situation — 100-day NICU stay — made the House even more important,” Ryan said. “The people were kind, genuine, caring, and present.”

Among those people were volunteers and staff, who Ryan said, “helped keep him grounded and reminded him how blessed they were as a family.”

The House navigated uncertain times by expanding its services outside the House. Children and families received activity bags and food bags for convenience during extended periods away from the House.

Märit Williams Photography

“Evangeline lived in an incubator for many weeks,” said Ryan. “Activity bags had books we could read to her — it helped us feel more connected. We would miss lunch orders, so we utilized food bags and other fresh food items available in the House.”

“It all made a difference.”

The House is supported by many local businesses and individuals. Guest rooms, in-House activities, meals, food bags and activity bags, gas station, grocery store and restaurant gift cards — all are available because of their generous support.

“Thank you,” Ryan said. “You make an impact of a magnitude that I have never experienced. You provide for families who are suffering deeply. You provide comfort for those who desperately need it. I cannot imagine how drastically more difficult my family’s experience would have been without your generosity. Truly…thank you.”

Märit Williams Photography

“Whether it is time, finances, skills — whatever help you provide blesses those who cannot prepare for the road they are traveling that led to Mayo Clinic and the Ronald McDonald House. Please continue to help the kids who are being called to rise up during the most challenging experiences of their lives. Please continue to help the mothers and fathers, who can do nothing but read their sons and daughters a book while they fight for their lives.”

“Please continue to support the House.”

Evangeline and her parents will visit Rochester less frequently as she grows, but they look forward to stopping by their home away from home…the Ronald McDonald House.

Märit Williams Photography

Ashley and Moses were flying high – their daughter, Fayth, was born and she was beautiful and in perfect health. Two months later…their daughter was airlifted to Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

She needed a new liver.

Fayth was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver disorder that occurs when a baby’s bile ducts become blocked. It is neither hereditary nor genetic and its cause is unknown. The result can be serious liver damage and can require a liver transplant.

“We couldn’t treat her in our hometown because it doesn’t have a doctor familiar with biliary atresia,” Ashley said. “Mayo Clinic is where we needed to be.”

And it was there that she received her new liver.

Before the diagnosis, Ashley and Moses were not familiar with Mayo Clinic and had never heard of the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. Both changed rather quickly.

Ashley and Fayth traveled together, as Moses stayed home with the other children. Ashley said it was stressful and scary; she had never been away from home for an extended time and they did not know anyone in Rochester. But that changed quickly as well.

“We never felt alone,” said Ashley. “The House is so warm and welcoming.”

The House provided food and activity bags for Ashley and her family – even her children who were back home. Fayth’s favorite toy was a xylophone, which helped her learn to sit up.

Ashley stayed at the House while Fayth was inpatient for her liver transplant and they stayed at the House together following her transplant.

Ashley commented on the guest rooms and community spaces and how they were “spacious and beautiful.” And she appreciated how clean it was; especially during a pandemic and with a daughter who had surgery.

“Fayth and I feel safe at the House,” Ashley said. “After her transplant, I was afraid to take her to hotels, stores, restaurants; but the House is so clean.”

“It gave me so much confidence.”

Volunteers regularly disinfect and sanitize common spaces at the House. They also do anything and everything to make the children and family feel at home.

“The volunteers made our stay memorable,” Ashley said. “They treated us like friends – like family. They answered all of my questions and were so helpful.”

“I will remember their love and care forever.”

Another burden eased by the House was the Fresh Food Co-Op. The space opened in 2019 and provides children and families with fresh and healthy perishable food items, such as protein, produce, dairy, and more, at no cost to the families. The Fresh Food Co-Op is the first of its kind in a Ronald McDonald House.

“I was so worried she would get sick or I would bring the sickness back to the House,” said Ashley. “The House provided everything we needed and everything we wanted.”

“Comfort and convenience in a stressful situation are so helpful.”

The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester is supported by hundreds of individuals, groups, and businesses. Their support makes it possible for the House to provide for children and families throughout the year. In a year of uncertainty, supporters ensured the House would keep its doors open.

“Thank you,” Ashley said. “We were so scared. We didn’t know how we would pay for a hotel and meals. We didn’t know how long we would be in Rochester. We don’t know if we would have been able to make it work.”

“The House took that burden off of our shoulders.”

Fayth has a long road ahead. Her health and new liver mean lifetime appointments at Mayo, which will decrease in frequency as time goes on. But, for the time being, Ashley and Moses are celebrating their happy and healthy daughter.

Ashley said she will not forget the impact the House had on her family.

“The Ronald McDonald House made a rough time in our lives a wonderful experience.”