Heather’s Heroic Fight - Our Community Fights Together

Heather (Thornton) Wichern, (pictured on the right) is an amazing daughter, wife, mother and a new grandmother. She is one of the hardest working people, dedicated to her family, friends and community. She loves hunting, fishing and most of all, her new grandson Weston. She possesses a stubbornness and strength like no other.

On February 19, 2025, Heather woke up in the morning with a headache and went to the ER in Mahnomen. There she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Once stable she was life flighted to Sanford in Fargo. She was met by an amazing surgeon and team. The medical team reported to family she had suffered from 2 brain aneurysms. One located behind her left eye and the second was in the brain stem. The pressure to the brain stem caused the cardiac arrest. They were able to repair the aneurysms by using stents. This is not ideal but Heather is stubborn, she sometimes can make things complicated, she likes to push people to do their best, the surgeon included.

Now her family and friends wait and pray for a miracle. The pressure needs to come down in the brain, and her blood pressure needs to remain stable. Her family will remain by her side in the ICU for at least 14 days while medications are slowly decreased. The hope is that the damage is minimal and Heather will make a full recovery. With prayers, and positive thoughts we will do all we can to make this happen.

As a small community, we take pride in rallying around our loved ones and fight all fights together. With permission and approval from Heather’s immediate family, I, Nancy Crompton, Heather’s close friend, have started this fundraiser to assist the family in the medical expenses that are accumulating daily. An account is currently being set up at the United Valley Bank, Twin Valley for additional donations. Plans are also being made for a community supper/fundraiser in the very near future. If you have any questions or donations that would like to be made, please contact Nancy Crompton.