On July 6th, 2025 Dena’s whole life changed in the blink of an eye.

As the ambulance director for the City of Tower, community engagement and relations are a huge part of her job and personality, a trait that she so lovingly inherited from her father, Chuck, who helped to develop the Tower Area Ambulance Service in it’s early stages. Dena was attending the annual Breitung Township Picnic for the first year since her father’s passing, spending the day with her grandchildren and other close family when she was encouraged to take her turn in the dunk tank.

Anyone who knows Dena knows she always put the community first; and she’d do her part as the ambulance director, climbing into the tank after the police chief - the same that she had in previous years. But this day, something went terribly wrong.

Soon into her turn, the tank’s seat malfunctioned and sprung up, swiftly throwing Dena backwards. Once she hit the ground she was in severe pain and unable to feel her legs. As an EMS professional, she immediately knew the potential implications of such an Injury. Fast action by EMS and air medical got her to St. Mary’s Medical Center in a timely manner, but she ultimately suffered multiple spinal fractures and what the doctors call a T11 complete spinal cord injury. Dena underwent emergency spinal fusion surgery and spent a week in the Neuro Trauma ICU before transferring to intensive inpatient rehabilitation - a total of over 40 days in the hospital. Dena is now paralyzed below the level of her injury and deals with long term complications related to much more than just her mobility.

Scans performed in the ER after her initial injury uncovered multiple brain aneurysms as well that were unrelated to the accident; a serious finding that must be addressed. Dena has since undergone one surgery to stabilize an aneurysm, but will need further procedures as well. As time goes on, she will continue to have appointments and procedures at both the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth as well as ongoing Physical and Occupational Therapy locally in Virginia, MN.

Dena has already returned to the ambulance service, performing many administrative duties but is unable to “run calls” - her favorite part of her job and what she was truly the most gifted at. Anyone who was lucky enough to be cared for by her undoubtedly remembers her quick response, kind nature and pride in her work. A lot remains unknown with the sustainability of her career; a sad reality after so many years of commitment.

Beyond the changes to her job, Dena’s home is not the best equipped for wheelchair access. Her husbandof 40 years, Tom has continued to make accessible changes to their home but in the long term, a new home may need to become a reality. Looking forward, one of Dena’s biggest hopes is to regain some independence and mobility with a vehicle adapted for her to drive herself, an expense no one ever expects.

Dena’s injuries have obviously incurred medical bills in addition to home repairs and other unplanned expenses which seemingly never stop. All of these components take a financial toll on her and her family and after several months, they are ready to ask for help.

Dena has given so much of herself to her community for the last 15 years, following in her father’s footsteps. Her daughters have also given to the community through EMS service, continuing to carry out Dena’s love for volunteering and stewardship. She’s been strong for so many others — and now, she needs her community to be strong for her.

Please consider donating, and share this page with others. Every contribution — big or small — makes a difference and brings Dena closer to independence and stability in this new chapter.