Help Barb with Medical and Recovery Expenses

Update: On behalf of me, Betty (Hansen) Rook, and my siblings, we want to extend our gratitude for all the kind words, support, donations and prayers for our mom, Barb Hansen, during this difficult time.

Hello everyone, we are raising funds for an amazing woman and her family in our local communities of Chester, SD and Madison, SD. Barb Hansen (78) is retired, but had worked part time at the Madison Daily Leader leading up this this tragic event. For those that know Barb, she can’t just sit around and relax, she always has something that needs to be done.

On May 7th, 2023, Barb was tending to some outdoor chores working around a fire. Around noon, Barb’s shoes and pants caught fire and she was unable to get the fire extinguished. Barb was rushed to the Madison Regional Hospital and was immediately airlifted to the Regions burn unit in Saint Paul, MN. Barb sustained severe 3rd and 4th degree burns to both feet and legs.

While accessing the damage to her feet and legs, Barb suffered a stroke, which affected the left side of her body. Barb had her first surgery on May 11th, which resulted in her right leg being amputated below the knee. On May 19th, another surgery was completed to further amputate her right leg and to amputate her left leg below the knee. This surgery was over 12 hours.

Barb has a very long road of recovery ahead. She is estimated to be at the Regions burn unit for 6-8 weeks and will then have to undergo extensive in-patient rehabilitation.

As medical expenses and travel expenses for family add up, we are asking for donations to help with hotel stays and travel expenses for immediate family, medical expenses, an electric wheel chair and for any other specialized equipment she may need moving forward.