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Let's Go, Team Samantha!

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Bottom line, friends: this family is weathering the most difficult of circumstances with grace, grit, humor and love.  And now they could use a little help.

Quick background for anyone not familiar: Samantha, daughter of Chris and Melissa,  was born with spina bifida and although this has meant her abilities and path in life have been different from other kids, she has continued to bless our whole family, her friends, her teachers, schoolmates and anyone who meets her with her special blend of courage, mischievousness and sweetness.... She communicates in her own ways and trust me, we know when she's happy, sad or angry!


Most recently Samantha has spent. collectively, more than a month inpatient at Mayo  in Rochester -- much of it in the PICU -- recovering from multiple and mostly unplanned surgeries and not one but two bouts of staph. Anyone who's spent time in a hospital with a child knows how life-changing that experience can be. But somehow Sam, and her parents and family, continue to weather the tests, infections, care plan changes, surgeries, poking, prodding, sleep deprivation, procedures and meds with amazing strength. 

Still: dang, is healthcare expensive. Especially the PICU. And especially when both parents need to be there, and not at work or at home with (also strong, also independent, also amazing) Jace and a really pouty lab named Louie. 

Samantha's wonderful paras from school, led by Kristin G, are hosting a fundraiser in Albert Lea on May 4, but we know many folks want to help but live far away or cannot come that night -- so here's your chance to support.

Listen, we're in big trouble for starting this page for Melissa and Chris and family -- they are resilient, self-reliant people.  They never complain. They persevere.

But now is the time to support them with love, prayers AND if you've got a little change to spare, financial support. Thanks for any gift. All beyond what GFM takes for processing will go directly to the family.
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Donations 

  • Ryan Beavens
    • $50 
    • 6 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Tracy Wiese
Organizer
Minnetonka, MN
Melissa Bertelson
Beneficiary

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