Dakota was diagnosed with Stage 3 Brain Cancer in 2024. He has been in ongoing treatment since and also had 2 surgeries to remove the tumor, with his last surgery right before Christmas. Over the weekend, Dakota had a blood vessel burst and he was unable to walk. He was staff flighted to Rush Hospital in Chicago where he is now in a sedated coma. The Dr. believes Dakota suffered a stroke.

Dakota got married in June of 2025 and as you can imagine, the financial burden has been overwhelming. We have created a Go Fund Me to help Dakota, his wife Ashley and Dakota’s family with medical expenses, travel and hotel expenses and day to day living expenses. We are setting a goal of $10,000.00 to help the family during this major medical crisis. Any donation will make a meaningful difference! Please also consider sharing this fundraiser with friends and/or on social media.

Dakota has spent his life helping other people. He would do anything and everything to help his community including serving as a Watseka Firefighter. Dakota has been a strong member of this community; help us show him the bond that comes from a small town community and their desire to help each other in times of need.