2024 Beneficiaries
Hazel Reiners
Hazel entered the world in mid Feb. as the first child in her family. She has 7 first cousins.
Hazel was born with a rare genetic condition called Emanuel’s syndrome. Only about 400 cases have been recorded in medical literature. Most babies with this syndrome inherit a gene mutation from a parent. In a tiny percentage of cases, neither parent has the mutation. This was Hazel’s case. All children with Emanuel’s have some degree of intellectual and physical disability, its severity varies by individuals.
Hazel was born with a diaphragmatic hernia and has had two repair surgeries for this. She also has a brain shunt to drain cerebrospinal fluid. Because of a small jaw common for Emmanuel’s babies, she has had a mandibular distraction operation to move her jaw and open her airway.
Hazel has continually surprised her doctors and caretakers with her strength and resilience. She continues to progress and develop in spite of the problems presented to her.
John makes a three hour commute every other week to work and then commutes back to spend time with his family.
Hazel is working now to breathe on her own so that she can go home. The medical professionals say that she will "tell" them when she is ready. Most estimates are 3-6 months in the hospital for Emanuel Syndrome babies.
She also has an internal cleft palate and a surgical feeding tube. She's had five surgeries so far with her next one on July 9th.
Lindsey Clark
In the spring of 2023 my wife Lindsey was experiencing difficulties with her speech, balance, and motor skills. She went to a local hospital here in town to get checked and in the end they found nothing and made her feel kinda crazy for having these symptoms. Having been an RN for 15 years, a couple doctors she worked with told her this isn't normal, you should go to Mayo for a second opinion. It didn't take Mayo long to find a cancerous tumor on her brain stem and cerebellum. Due to the location of the tumor it was deemed inoperable. We moved her to Rochester for 6 weeks to endure daily infusions and chemo. Shortly after she returned home the symptoms got significantly worse. She was told she could no longer work and would need assistance at home the rest of her life. We have 3 children aged 3, 5, and 15 so this is a heavy burden on us all.
Lindsey and I began dating in 7th grade while living in Houston, TX. Long story short, I moved here in 2001, we tried to long distance date in college, and in 2012 she moved here. We got married in 2016. Her mother moved here after she retired and has been a huge help so that I can still work during the day. Her family all lives in Texas and has been on a rotation for coming up to help as well. All of this has a high expense as well. We go to Mayo every 6 weeks, but after last month's scan showed potential growth they have asked her to come back in 3 weeks, which is this week.
We are not people that would ever ask for something like this, in fact we are usually the ones giving to these things. However we were recently told by her doctors that insurance will not cover any more physical, speech, or water therapies going forward meaning if we want to continue we will need to pay out of pocket, which is about $300 per session. She loves her therapies as it gets her out of the house and makes her feel like there's a chance to get better. If chosen as a recipient we would be using the funds to get her more treatments to make her quality of life better, because as someone who dedicated her life as a nurse that's what she did for so many others.
2023 Beneficiaries
Briggs Sieverding
Briggs is a 3-year-old boy and at every well-check after 12 months, we would give an update to Dr. Sam that Briggs was still not walking or talking. We were going to take action if this was still the case at his 2-year well-check. Since he was the 3rd child, Matt and I figured everyone was carrying him and talking for him that he didn’t need to do any of it since it was being done for him. Fast forward to Briggs’ 2-year well-check Dr. Sam decided that we needed to rule out any intracranial tumors that would be affecting his walking and talking.
On Friday September 1 we got in the car for a quick trip to Sioux Falls for a CT scan. Right before we were going to walk out the door at Avera. I received a phone call and on the other line was Dr. Sam. My heart sank! It is not very often that Dr. Sam is the one that calls us. He let us know that he was going to admit Briggs for further testing because his CT scan came back with abnormalities. He also was going to put in a referral to neurology and genetics.
The next day Dr. Taylor, who is a neurologist, came in and went over Briggs’ MRI and CT scan that was conducted the previous day. She explained that there was an abundance of white matter in Briggs brain, and it looked like it was a leukodystrophy and it was either Alexanders disease (AXD) or Metachromatic disease (MLD). She also informed us that neither of them had a cure. She wanted a second opinion and was going to refer Briggs to the MAYO Clinic in Rochester, MN. This was the longest weekend with it being a holiday on the following Monday. The team at the hospital started Briggs on an NG tube for us to start pump feedings because he was losing weight from all the vomiting. This is a common symptom of Alexander Disease, which we did not know at the time but do now. After a few weeks of the NG tube and a total of 4 times getting it put back in, we decided that this was not the right choice for feeding him. With all the pressure from vomiting, the NG tube would dislodge every time. We wanted a more permanent tube due to the bad luck we were experiencing. We contacted our GI Dr. and surgery was scheduled for September 23, 2022.
On September 26 we were discharged from the hospital, and we headed to the MAYO Clinic where we met with the Dr. we were referred to, who confirmed that Briggs’ genetic testing results which confirmed a GFAP mutation. A mutation that was associated with Alexander Leukodystrophy. She explained how the process is affecting his brain and we should try to get Briggs into a clinical study that is currently happening. Every year that Briggs can go without having a seizure is a good year. Matt and I left this appointment feeling defeated, now what? What do we do to better Briggs life? I joined every group and did my research and found Dr. Waldman at CHOP in Philadelphia. I called, and I was put on a waiting list to be contacted by Dr. Waldman’s team. We received our appointment December 23, 2022. We flew out to Philadelphia to meet with Dr. Waldman’s whole leukodystrophy team that treats about 200 people with Alexander Disease worldwide. Her team consisted of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neurology, pediatrics, and genetics. All appointments were the same day, and it was a lot of information to digest. Matt and I left this appointment feeling like we had a game plan going forward. Dr. Waldman changed Briggs’ medicine to help with all the vomiting, help gain weight, and added a seizure medicine that helps to prevent them. Her team agreed to work with our team in SD and MN to help better Briggs life. We will have to go out to the CHOP in Philadelphia 1 to 2 times a year to keep up with them at CHOP.
Currently Briggs is still being fed with a feed pump with our own homemade blends, he eats what we eat, and extra calories added to gain weight. He continues to work with PT, OT, and Speech Therapies 2 times each per week. Briggs is walking and talking now. Back in September he only weighed 19 lbs. and is now holding steady at 23.8lbs. We have a swallow study coming up to see if he silently aspirates at night when he does vomit. But the medicine that he is currently prescribed and taking has changed our life from walking around with vomit bags all the time to just a few times a day. He also was recently diagnosed with insomnia and has a sleep study coming up at Gillette Children Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He is still seizure free, which we thank God for every day. We live each day in the moment and Briggs is the author of his life story we are just here to write about it and spend the best days with him and the rest of our Family.
Carl Pierson
Carl Pierson was 45 and feeling healthy when a yearly physical revealed something odd and concerning on a blood test. Several tests and a few weeks later, Carl and his family were faced with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. His case was passed on to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where the initial plan was to have chemo, radiation, and a surgery that one doctor claimed would "cure him". But the very day he had his first dose of radiation and chemo, Mayo cancelled the plans because of a small spot found on Carl's liver. When it proved cancerous, that moved him to Stage IV and he was told his cancer was terminal.
It was in February of 2022 this married father of two boys was told he had about a year to live "if he pursued an aggressive chemo schedule". Determined to do everything he could to be around as long as possible for his boys (ages 12 and 10 at the time) Carl has endured dozens of rounds of chemo and participated in a clinical trial. While the chemo slowed the progression of the cancer for several months, since spring of 2023 not even chemo has been able to keep the cancer from growing and spreading.
Carl used his terminal diagnosis to do and see things he had hoped to do at some point in his life. He declared the excursions the "Live Like You're Dying Tour" (like the famous Tim McGraw song). Over the past 15 month the Pierson family has been to New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, seeing baseball games at the Major League parks in each city. Carl was a three sport athlete during his days growing up in Mitchell, SD and he went on to coach baseball, football, and girls basketball during his 23 year teaching career. Carl was inducted into the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in the fall of 2023.
As his time comes to a close, Carl says the thought of not being there for his sons and his wife are the hardest part of his horrible situation. But Carl is quick to add he is grateful to have been blessed with a great life, fantastic family and friends, and a job he absolutely loved.
Carl and his family reside 30 miles outside of the Twin Cities in Waconia, MN.
2022 Beneficiaries
Shannon Jacobson
Memorial
Reese & Riley Jacobson
Shannon Jacobson was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in her forearm May 2019. She immediately began treatment at the University of Minnesota. She received chemotherapy until the tumor removal in the fall of 2019. Following surgery, she received more chemotherapy. In February 2020, she finished all treatments and was cancer free. All the while she continued to be upbeat and a positive inspiration for all she knew and met. In June 2021, a nodule was found in the right lung. The tumor was removed in August 2021. A week after surgery Shannon started experiencing some vision problems. The MRI of her brain showed a mass and lesions on her brain. After more tests they found that she also had new spots on her lung and a mass in her liver. She received radiation and outpatient chemotherapy. If something could go wrong, it seemingly did, and Shan did her best to fight her ass off until the very end. Shannon fought this battle with toughness and grace, taking vacations with her family, going on walks with friends and her dog, and spending time with friends/family just days before her passing. Shannon and Brad have 2 beautiful girls, Reese (10) and Riley (8). Their little girls were her pride and joy. Everything she did was for them. She loved her family and friends so much. She was a high school English teacher in Bryant, SD. Monday morning, July 11, 2022, Shannon lost her courageous fight. She will be missed by all!!
Porter Olson - 2022
Porter is 12 year old boy, who started doctoring at Sanford Orthopedics in October of 2021 for bilateral foot deformity and fracture. Dr. Daniels shared his concern of a diagnosis called CMT or (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease) and advised Porter would more than likely need surgery on his feet, to help correct the alignment. This surgery would help offload the pressure on outside of Porters feet, causing fractures. Dr. Daniels states he would like to start with a referrals to Neurology and genetics to confirm diagnosis.
Porter was seen by Neurology and Genetics where testing began to confirm CMT. December 2021, right before Christmas, we received a call that Porters genetic testing came back positive for a MFN2 mutation, which they were not expecting. We were advised this would align with possible CMT2A which would be very rare, due to it affecting both his central and peripheral nervous system. Sanford asked for further testing which included Tanner, myself and grandparents. After several weeks it was noted that I, and my mother were carriers of the MFN2 mutation but no symptoms.
Porter was given referral to Rochester MN for further testing. Porter was seen at Mayo by an orthopedic surgeon. He talked about same surgery outlined by Dr. Daniels for foot reconstruction and put in referrals for neurology and genetics to confirm diagnosis.
Porter was evaluated in April 2022 by a pediatric neurologist and genetics to determine diagnosis. Unfortunately at this appointment, they were unable to confirm his specific diagnoses. Genetics and neurology determined need for further testing, more genetic testing and referrals were made to endocrinology, pulmonology, and dietician. These appointments are scheduled in July of 2022. We are currently awaiting follow up on 55 genes looking for missing DNA mutations to help explain all of his symptoms. If this comes back negative, they will begin a genome study on Porter, Tanner and myself, looking at 20 thousand genes, to see if they can find another mutation and or specific diagnosis.
MFN2 is very rare. We were told one other family member in the country has this same specific mutation, which affects both peripheral and central nervous system. We were told this mutation is a mitochondrial mutation but can be linked to CMT2A.
Currently Porter remains positive. He wears special orthotics to help with alignment due to fractures and deformity. He continues to work in physical therapy to help with range of motion. Porter plays with his friends but unfortunately has been taken out of competitive sports, due to high risk of injury with his falling. Porter is strong and will continue to push through the uncomfortable, one day at a time.
2021 Beneficiaries
Shawn Ericsson - 2021
Shawn Ericsson is a 44 year old businessman with an engineering background who enjoys life to the fullest each day. He has a wife, Stacia, of 19 years (high school sweethearts), a son Ethan (14 years old), and a daughter Olivia (11 years old). Shawn loves to fish, boat, sing karaoke, coach his son’s hockey team, and play guitar. He is a friend to all and a community servant. He is a charity supporter. He is a proud husband, proud son, a proud father, a brother and an uncle. He is a coach and a leader. He is an IceCat and a River King. He is an avid outdoorsman, a Zamboni driver, a hype man, carries deer sticks with him at all times, a Steelers fan, and a hockey Vegas Knights fan. He gets pissed when he is out fished. He loves bro hugs, and always smells good. He plays his music too loud and can sing any genre of karaoke. He is the guy that orders the appetizers and out of generosity holds the table to higher tipping standards. He is the most energetic guy in the room.
March 21, 2021 Shawn tested positive for Covid-19 at the ER and finally admitted to hospital on March 24th. He battled breathing on his own for 2 weeks in Covid ICU Isolation before agreeing to the medically induced coma with ventilator support to help his body rest as his lungs tried to improve. Shawn was in the ventilated coma for 2 ½ weeks and had surgery for a tracheostomy and feeding tube the following week to help improve his mobility and physical therapy. As of today, day 61 in the hospital, his lungs are still inflamed and scarring. Doctors are impressed with his positive attitude and amazed that he is actually off of the ventilator and on oxygen through his trach. His lungs are the biggest concern. We are still uncertain of his future, he is still being monitored for a double lung transplant at U of M hospital. Since it is Covid, doctors are unsure of what lifelong effects he will have with his lungs and body. He has a lot of physical therapy and occupational therapy ahead of him since he was not moving and trying to just breathe for the first 5 weeks, atrophy definitely took its toll on his muscles and body.
UPDATE: About a year ago I was released from the hospital and my lungs were still so scarred, most thought I would still need a lung transplant. I couldn't even walk all the way to the bathroom without taking a break. Along the path of this last year has been lots of pain and heartache, wondering if I'd ever be normal again. The only thing I could grasp is to push the line every day, push until it hurts, then push some more. Every 1,000 mile journey starts with one step, then another. Every journey is filled with milestones, and yesterday was a GREAT one!
During my 6 month Pulmonology checkup, my breathing tests have shown that my lung diffusion values had reached a normal level! This is something that no-one, not even me expected to reach! Praise God!
There are still many things I deal with like fairly severe neuropathy, spasms, cramps, tightness, and pain. But to reach my lung milestone gives me absolute certainty all issues will be resolved, it will just take effort and time.
I have had the most amazing support team, including all of you, along this journey. My amazing wife who has been by my side every day, even when I was in a coma. My doctors and nurses, which are world-class and best-in-their field. Our family, our friends, some who worked tirelessly to make sure we were supported. And finally to the good Lord, for his grace and the incredible miracle he has bestowed upon me. I am so grateful for all of you!
If you are dealing with a daunting road ahead, just know, miracles do happen. Your mindset, your faith, and your support team can lift you higher than you ever thought possible. You just have to believe!
Jim Petrik - 2021
On Monday, July 13th, 2020 Jim Petrik woke up to another normal day at the farm. Jim has dedicated his whole life to his family and his farm in Geddes, SD. After going out to complete his normal morning chores Jim returned to his house to have some breakfast and had started not feeling well. With in minutes Jim was vomiting and hovered over the sink in pain. Seeing Jim in this much discomfort Marilyn, Jim’s wife drove him to the Platte hospital to get checked out.
Once they arrived at the Platte hospital the doctors could see that Jim was going to need more care than they could provide. They then had Jim transported to the Mitchel, SD hospital via ambulance. After arriving at the Mitchel hospital Jim’s condition quickly worsened. By this time Jim was slurring his words and having trouble swallowing his own saliva. With Jim’s condition worsening quickly and doctors running many tests with no specific answer they knew Jim needed to get somewhere with more medical options quickly. Jim was then airlift to Sioux Falls, SD for more intensive care.
Once Jim arrived in Sioux Falls doctors continued to run tests, as Jim continued to be unable to swallow, and had excruciating pain throughout his entire body. After many tests and seeing many doctors, Jim was diagnosed with Guillain – Barre Syndrome. For those of you who might have never heard of Guillain – Barre syndrome it is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. There are many factors that can bring this syndrome on, but they are never able to tell exactly what brings it on for each person.
After many days in the hospital although Jim was alert through this all he was ultimately intubated, unable to speak, swallow and completely paralyzed. This continued for many months until select specialty hospital was no longer able to care for him. Upon being transported to Iowa for more intensive care Jim had a huge set back when he coded for a full multiple minutes before doctors and nurses worked to bring him back. Jim is also a Vietnam War vet, so was being transported to Des Moines, IA to the VA hospital to stay and get the care he needed. This move was not only a setback for Jim but was also hard to be away from his wife, 6 kids and 16 grandkids, as their visits and talking to him even though he could not talk back is what kept him going each day.
Jim was finally able to eat his first full meal again about two months ago. Although he is still in the hospital today and has not seen his family in person for more than 6 month this does not stop Jim from fighting his Guillain – Barre syndrome. Jim is in the small 3-5% of people who get Guillain – Barre that it attacks extra hard. In this small percentage of people doctors are never sure of what “full recovery” will look like. Thankfully, Jim is talking and laughing again. He is learning to walk, sit up and do simple things like set himself up in bed and answer a phone to speak with his wife and kids daily. Jim has survived many things in his life and although he has had to give up a lot on his farm during this process due to upkeep Jim’s dream is to get back to his farm some day and be able to walk on his farmland again.
Today Jim is at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. After being gone for many months in May 2021 Jim was finally able to be transported back to Sioux Falls to continue to receive care and be closer to his family. After being in quarantine for a couple weeks Jim was so excited when he got the okay that family could finally come visit him again. Although we do not know what the next couple months holds, we cannot wait to all be waiting outside of the VA cheering him on, on the day he is finally released.
Past Tournament Beneficiaries
Halle Grace - 2020
Halle Grace daughter of Kristie (Klusaw) and Sean Gribben was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called ATRT, in December 2019 after her mom found her unresponsive in her crib. She underwent a full tumor resection in her cerebellum, followed by six months of grueling and intense high dose chemotherapy which included 3 rounds of autologous stem cell transplants. She just completed her last round June 22, 2020. Halle will undergo 30 rounds of proton radiation in Jacksonville Fl to complete her protocol.
As if the cancer wasn’t enough, due to the location of her tumor, Halle developed posterior fossa syndrome. This syndrome has left her unable to speak, cry, smile, sit for long periods on her own, or walk. With intense therapy and time allowing the brain to heal, we are hopeful most of this will return, but likely not at 100%. She also suffered 2 strokes and a seizure in February, that has left an impact on her vision.
Halle is the definition of a fighter. Even though she fatigues easily at 21 months old, she is kicking cancers butt.
UPDATE: Halle is 19 months post brain tumor resection, and continues to be cancer free!! She is still faced with severe posterior fossa syndrome to date which she still isn’t smiling, laughing, crying, talking, standing, nor walking unassisted. But with the grace of God we are not losing hope. She has been to 2 intensive rehab programs since finishing treatment and continues with daily home therapy. She continues to fight this syndrome and each week we see slight improvement. She is a super warrior!
Declan & Adelyn - 2020
The journey started when Jordan’s water broke at 21 weeks, 4 days. She was admitted to the hospital on February 18th, 2020 and was placed on bed rest. The amniotic sac that was protecting Baby Girl was the one that broke. Baby Girls fluid amount would go up and down, always leaking so she never had that to help her develop properly. March 10th Baby Girl Adelyn and Baby Boy Declan decided to make their appearance in this world far too early. Adelyn was born at 1:47am and weighed 1 lb 7 ounces. Declan was born at 1:48am and weighed 1 lb 5 ounces. They where no bigger then a coke bottle. Their tiny bodies have been through so much in their short time with us. Declan was having a lot of breathing issues and had a PDA that required heart surgery to be closed. Adelyn’s road has been a lot tougher. She had two brain bleeds when she was just 2 days old, a grade 2 & 4. With the brain bleeds she lost a portion of her brain. She suffered from NEC which resulted in the surgeons taking half her intestines out. That tough little girl rallied through all that to have another brain bleed at three months old.
UPDATE: Adelyn passed away and gained her angel wings and superhero cape on June 18, 2020 on the NICU floor of Sanford Hospital. Adelyn received her superhero cape by donating her precious heart to save another 4 month old baby girl. Adelyn was also able to donate tissue that will end up helping many people. She is leaving a legacy behind as being the first baby to donate organs on the NICU floor at Sanford. Adelyn always had a beautiful smile even after everything she had gone through in her short time of being with us.
Declan is still in the NICU working on his bottling and hoping to go home soon!
LATEST UPDATE: Declan is now 16 months old! He weighs in at 18 lbs. He started eating table food and loves it. He still has his g-tube in and continues to get formula through that at night. He had Nissan surgery while in the NICU last year to prevent acid reflux. The Nissan has loosened some over time so he was experiencing heartburn again. He is now on acid reflux medication which has helped tremendously. Declan just started walking recently and is loving his independence! He continues to see his GI, pulmonologist and surgery doctors at the Sanford kids castle. They all say he is doing great. Adelyn has been gone for a little over a year. We miss her dearly. We still have not made contact with her heart recipient, but hope too in the near future! We just recently had a celebration of life for Adelyn and we plan to every year to celebrate and remember our sweet baby girl!
Chase & Tia - 2020
Chase and Tia found out their baby has a heart defect called transposition of the great arteries. Essentially meaning two of the major arteries of the heart are switched around. The doctors don’t think it’s genetic and happened by pure chance and shouldn’t happen again. They’ll move to Omaha at 37-38 weeks and wait for baby to be born and he/she will have surgery to swap them after 3 to 7 days depending on how big and strong he/she is. Then possibly an extended stay in the NICU after that. Both Chase and Tia will be out of work for 3 to 4 months. The school has already hired a long term substitute for Chase for the entire 1st quarter. They will be moving into an apartment at the end of August. The overall diagnosis wasn’t 100% figured out yet and won’t until baby is born and they actually go in to perform surgery.
Update: Jude Jeffrey Hetland was born in Omaha on September 4, 2020 with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries. He was immediately transferred to Omaha Children’s Hospital for a cardiac catheterization, and at four days old had open heart surgery to repair the defect. His doctors called him a “star pupil” because he did so well and he was able to come home just six days after his surgery. Unfortunately, two weeks later he was back in Omaha to treat a surgical site infection and spent another 10 days in the NICU. Since then, it has all been good news and his most recent cardiology visit in July showed a healthy heart with follow ups just once a year. He’s now a happy, growing boy who loves to eat, play, and spend time outside, and is looking forward to his first birthday soon.
Beck Dupont - 2019
On May 3rd 2019, Tony and Alissa Dupont’s 10 week old son, Beck, was rushed to the ER and diagnosed with Spinal Meningitis which is an infection of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Once infection starts, it can spread rapidly through the body. Without treatment it can cause brain damage in a matter of hours and can be fatal within 24 hours. Currently,
Beck is doing well... many of the nurses and doctors have described him as a miracle baby. With this being said, he still has a long road to recovery ahead and the family will endure a rollercoaster of emotions through the ups and downs of this devastating disease. While we are hoping and praying for more miracles and a full recovery for baby Beck, the specialists are not sure what the future will look like for him.
UPDATE: Shortly after the 2019 tournament, Beck was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and had surgery to place a brain shunt. He recovered quickly is currently doing great! He loves playing with and trying to keep up with his older siblings.
Barb Christensen - 2019
On April 22, 2019, Barb suffered a traumatic fall down the basement stairs at their home. She was taken by ambulance to Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell where the ER team discovered she had a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds. She was intubated and then flown to Avera McKennan where the Neuro team performed surgery and removed a portion of her skull, which would allow her brain to swell as it needed to. She would endure 8 days in the ICU, which was followed with another 9 days in the Brain/Spine Unit. At that time, she still needed assistance from the ventilator for breathing so her team sent her to Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls where they could accommodate her breathing apparatus and begin speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Once she began breathing on her own, she was ready to begin more intense therapy offered at Avera's Inpatient Rehab Unit in Sioux Falls. In addition to the intense therapy that she will have, she will also need to have an additional surgery when her body is ready to replace the portion of her skull that was removed. She has a long road to recovery as she works to regain the ability to complete day-to-day tasks. Barb, Curt, Jason, TJ, Lexie and their families are so thankful and appreciative for all of the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement they have received from everyone.
UPDATE: Barb is doing well and she is spending a lot of her time chasing her grandkids around!
Kadie Neuharth - 2018
About 4 years ago Kadie was diagnosed with a heart condition that the only cure is a transplant. She has fought it with incredible strength and resilience, but you can tell it is starting to wear on her. Recently, her condition worsened, and she went through several tests to make sure she is ready, physically and emotionally for a Heart Transplant. Her med team at Mayo Clinic recommended that she set-up the same tests at Mayo in Phoenix as there are more transplant options. She recently flew from Minneapolis to Phoenix and after a couple days of more testing, her Med Team recommended that she stay in Phoenix instead of being home in the Twin Cities. We don't know how soon the transplant will happen, but she is high on the list due to her age and overall health for a transplant patient. Either way the time is near and Kadie needs our help and support during this difficult time being away from home, work, and family – not knowing what the future has in store for Kadie.
UPDATE: I’m doing really well, feel great, I can do everything I want to do which is an awesome feeling. I continue to frequent Mayo, they keep everything in line and am super greatly for them and the support from all my friends and family.