Hello my name is Stephen Yellowhawk, I am the eldest grandson of Gerald and Johanna Yellowhawk, I have been asked and I am speaking on behalf of our Yellowhawk family in this request.

Our grandmother, Johanna Yellowhawk, is 89 years old, and an enrolled member of the Onondaga Iroquois Nation (Eel Clan) in New York. She moved to Rapid City, SD in 1953 to attend Bible School at Brainerd Indian School. This is where she met our grandfather, Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. They have been married for 65 years and have lived in Black Hawk, SD since 1985. Together, they serve as Spiritual leaders providing counseling and comfort through their words, actions, prayers and songs in our Lakota language. They have helped raise children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They are often called upon to give the blessing to many important events within the Lakota community and the Rapid City area.  Truly, they are strong and tireless role models for our community. 

 

The day before Thanksgiving, our grandmother fell and broke her hip. She required emergency surgery Thanksgiving morning to replace her hip and is currently in the Rehabilitation building at Monument Health. 

Our grandfather also has two bad knees and a heart condition causing shortness of breath and dizziness, which all make it challenging for him to get around these days. 

Our grandparents live in a split-level home that require renovations to make it safe and accessible for them. Steps in front and back of the house are the only access to the main living level of their home. They are in desperate need of a handicap ramp to replace their steep back deck, a handicap shower installed, and indoor and outdoor hand railings. 

We are not sure how long her recovery will take. December 9th was mentioned as a possible release date, but we need time and money to prepare for when she can come home and to help with the unexpected medical bills.

Will you please consider helping these elders in their time of need, who have given so much to our communities in our times of need? Wopila! Thank you!