
Aid for Kate, Brandon, and Baby Brooklyn's Recovery
Donation protected
A Time to Come Together for Kate, Brandon, and Baby Brooklyn
Many of you know the incredible journey Kate and Brandon have been on with their little miracle, Brooklyn. Born 14 weeks early in May 2024, Brooklyn spent 190 challenging days in the NICU, finally coming home in November 2024. Spring 2025 was meant to be a season of joy, with Kate recently turning 21 and Brooklyn’s first birthday just around the corner on May 6th.
But life took an unexpected and frightening turn on April 26th. While on their way to dinner, Kate, Brandon, and Brooklyn were involved in a serious car accident. Thankfully, baby Brooklyn seems to have only minor scratches but is still under observation at the hospital. Kate was treated for major bruises and released. However, Brandon sustained significant injuries, including damage to his spleen and internal bleeding, and will remain hospitalized for the next few days.
Now, this young family faces a new set of challenges: lost wages while Brandon, Kate and Brooklyn recover, mounting and unknown medical bills, and the daunting process of dealing with insurance. To make matters worse, their car, which they had just acquired a few months ago, was totaled. They also urgently need to replace Brooklyn’s car seat, as she attends therapy three times a week, along with other essential items lost in the crash.
This GoFundMe has been created to help Kate and Brandon during this difficult time. Your generous contributions will go directly towards:
Replacing their vehicle
Purchasing a new, safe car seat for Brooklyn
Covering lost wages for Brandon and Kate
Assisting with the inevitable medical expenses
Replacing other essential items lost in the accident
Kate and Brandon have already overcome so much in Brooklyn’s first year of life. Let’s rally together as a community and provide them with the support they need to navigate these new hurdles. Any amount you can contribute will make a meaningful difference to this deserving family. Please keep Kate, Brandon, and baby Brooklyn in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Co-organizers (4)
Tina Hagen
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Kate Ripley
Beneficiary
Eric Maciazka
Co-organizer
Maddie Schuler
Co-organizer