Fundraiser for Heather Pihlaja and Family

Hi there, my name is Brianna and I am Heather's daughter. This is the most heart-wrenching thing I have ever experienced, and I really want to start by thanking everyone for their love, support, and patience. Today is Monday, November 15th. My morning has been quiet as I am up before everyone else. I've learned to appreciate quiet mornings before the house wakes as it reminds me of my momma. You can take your time to soak in the day and sip your coffee. My mom has also shown me the beauty of morning conversation. While it has been years since I've lived at home, it warms my heart thinking of sitting around the table with my mom and Jeremy "chit-chatting" before the busyness of the day. I know my brothers and Jeremy appreciate this as well. Now that I am out of the house, and my mornings are quiet, I have a few girlfriends I call up to "chit-chat" with while I drink my coffee. My momma is one of them. If you know my mom and me, you know that we are more than mother and daughter. She is my best friend. Through this journey of life, we have grown up together. I am so thankful for her and all she has taught me as a woman. I can see her smile and hear her laugh and it makes my heart smile.

It hurts to share this news, my mother Heather was struck by a semi on Highway 34 near Height of the Land township in Becker County on Thursday, November 11th. This was a hit and run and authorities are still looking for the suspect. She has suffered a very serious head injury. She is in very critical condition but has remained stable. It is too early to tell right now, my mom's body is busy working to heal itself. We have created a Caring Bridge account to keep everyone updated from one source as we receive information. I have created this GoFundMe for medical and other expenses that come with having a loved one in the hospital. Jeremy has also created one which you can find on his page, and it is all going directly to the family. We have all taken on our own roles working together and I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support, love, and prayers.