Brian Axelson Medical Fund

My name is Christy Tryhus, my husband, Neil and I are raising money for Brian Axelson and his family to help with his medical, travel and lodging expenses.

Neil and I have been friends with Brian and his wife, Leanne, since high school.  Brian and Leanne are amazing friends, parents (4 amazing children) and grandparents (3 adorable grand kids). We are very grateful for their friendship.


In January 2016 (3 ½ years ago) Brian was scheduled to have his gallbladder removed, which is typically a simple laparoscopic procedure. During the procedure the surgeon nicked his small bowel and cut the bile duct and blood supply to the liver. After this surgery Brian developed pneumonia post procedure which lead to the first of many extended hospital stays. Life for his family changed that day. Brian has not been able to work since then and has had many medical procedures and hospital visits.

Brian’s medical condition is very complicated so he must travel from Minot, ND to Rochester, MN to receive medical treatment. Below are the statistics of what Brian has endured over the last 3 ½ years, with many more trips scheduled. This past week, an aneurysm was discovered on the blood supply to the liver and they were NOT able to repair it. He also has a 2nd aneurysm on the blood supply to his heart they have not been able to repair.

The 3 ½ year picture of Brian’s medical life after a botched surgery:

1.       Over 35 trips to receive treatment from Minot, ND to Mayo  Clinic, Rochester/University of Minnesota

2.       More than 45,000 miles travel during these trips

3.       Brian has been treated at over 6 different hospitals

4.       Brian has had more than 10+ emergency room visits

5.       Brian has had over 10 extensive surgeries

6.       Brian has had 75+ medical diagnostic tests and procedures

7.       Brian has had one stay in intensive care

8.       Over 45 days in the hospital

9.       Over 110 nights of hotel stays

10.   Due to complications of initial surgery and procedures Brian has received 24 new diagnosis since 2016.

11.   This past week Brian underwent 2 surgeries to repair the aneurysm on the blood supply to his liver. Both were unsuccessful. As a result, Brian and Leanne will need to travel from Minot to Rochester every 2 weeks to 3 months to monitor the growth of the aneurysm.  

This has been a tremendous financial burden on the family. They will continue to incur additional expenses since they will be traveling to Mayo Clinic several times over the upcoming months.

Please consider contributing to help Brian receive the medical treatment he needs. Thank you in advance for your gift!