Laura Hjelseth family during this strenuous time

My name is Sherry, and I am fundraising for my beautiful cousin, Laura (Klein) Hjelseth, and her family, as they are facing many challenges due to Laura's health.

In March 2022, Laura started getting severe acid reflux with extreme esophageal pain and stomach issues. Her weight began to drop significantly in a short period. She lost 50 lbs within 5 to 6 weeks and was hospitalized for a week in May. She was put on a feeding tube and went through much testing, with Barretts Esophagus being diagnosed along with the acid reflux, but no answers for the extreme weight loss. She has gone through extensive diagnostic tests ever since then and lost another 10 lbs. She still hasn't been able to gain weight and continues to doctor both in Fargo and with Specialists at the University of MN Fairview. One Specialist thinks it may have something to do with pancreatic inefficiency, meaning a lifelong diagnosis with no cure. This diagnosis has not yet been verified as such, as more diagnostic tests are required for certainty. She has lost almost all of her muscle mass. Because of this and the extreme weight loss, she has been unable to work since May 2022 or do required everyday tasks at home. Additionally, Laura has numerous doctor, chiropractic, and physical therapy appts each week.

It will be many months before Laura can regain enough weight and become strong enough to return to work.

Laura is married to her husband, Chris, and has two children, Logan and Autumn. As you can imagine, living expenses and medical bills have not gone away.

Traveling to the cities for specialist doctor care is very difficult for the family--the car ride is hard on Laura, the expense to get there and return, and Chris then takes time away from his job.

Family is everything to Laura, and with her current health state, she is unable to be the mother and person she is used to being. The stress this situation has on the entire family is very overwhelming. The holidays will not be the same this year.

Laura is one of the most generous people I know and the type of person not to ask anybody for help--but she is now at the point where asking for help is a must.

Please consider donating to this Gofundme for Laura and her family to help ease their burden as they continue this difficult journey. Thank you in advance for your generosity--words cannot express the difference this will make for Laura and her family.

Any amount is greatly appreciated. God bless.