Jon Peterson, Fargo, is an extraordinary husband, father of two girls, and paramedic who was diagnosed with immune-medicated necrotizing myopathy, a rare and debilitating disease that has drastically impacted his mobility. Since January, he has endured multiple hospitalizations at Sanford, U of M, and the Mayo Clinic desperately seeking treatment for his condition and cardiac complications. His coworkers are
rallying help to lessen the family’s
significant financial strain.
Contributed / Lend A Hand Up
Diamond Williams, Fargo, immigrated to the U.S. from Africa at the age of 8 with her father, leaving behind her mother and siblings. Despite many challenges growing up, she has maintained a positive outlook and has been dedicated to her goal of becoming a massage therapist. Unfortunately, she was involved in a tragic auto accident, leaving her with significant injuries from head to toe that will require a long recovery period.
Her friends have reached out to help
her through this challenging time.
Contributed / Lend A Hand Up
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Stacy Kleinwachter, Fargo, was admitted to the Essentia emergency room in April with severe jaundice and was told her liver and kidneys were failing. Further testing led to a second diagnosis of a rare blood disease, HLH, which has resulted in blood transfusions, dialysis, and chemotherapy. In June, her health further declined resulting in surgical removal of a blood clot in her lung and more chemotherapy. Stacy is an active member of District 5M11 and the Dilworth Loco Lions who are planning a fall benefit in coordination with the
Lend A Hand Up online fundraiser
.
Contributed / Lend A Hand Up
Randy Johnson, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, sustained a spinal cord injury in the fall of 2023 which dramatically impacted his mobility and independence. This spring, his wife Wendy made the difficult decision to retire so she could devote herself to Randy’s care and make it easier to transport him to Fargo twice a week for outpatient care. The
loss of income has intensified their financial challenges
as they navigate one day at a time.
To learn more or give to any of these fundraisers, visit
.
Upcoming fundraising events
Contributed / Lend A Hand Up
Claryce Iverson, Detroit Lakes
A
benefit for Claryce Iverson, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes. Proceeds from the chili feed and silent auction will help Claryce with noncovered rehab and home care expenses as she strives to regain independence following her diagnosis in January of transverse myelitis, paralysis from the chest down. Learn more or give at
Lend A Hand Up is a 501c3 nonprofit subsidiary of Dakota Medical Foundation supporting area families experiencing hardship due to a health issue, recent loss of life, or traumatic event. All funds raised by Lend A Hand Up help families residing in Cass, Clay and Becker Counties. Gifts raised through Lend A Hand Up’s giving site increase in value by 20% due to generous Boost sponsors. The organization does not collect a fee from donations made to Lend A Hand Up recipients. To start a Lend A Hand Up fundraiser or support one, go to
or call 701-356-2661.
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
