Hello, My name is Barbara. I have started this fundraising campaign for my friend and colleague Sandy Gustafson; whom I dearly love and deeply respect.

On March 26, 2022, Sandy was stricken with a catastrophic illness (Bacterial Meningitis) and at this writing, she continues to battle mightily to survive and recover.

Sandy does not relish being in the spotlight, and she would never boast about her accomplishments or fill anyone's ear with tales of her good deeds much less seek recognition for them. But, I have no such hesitation to share what I have witnessed over the years of Sandy's goodness as evidence of why she is so deserving of our help today. So, please allow me to tell you a wee bit about Sandy Gustafson.

Sandy is a LOYAL Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Colleague, Nurse, Educator, Mentor, and more. But Sandy is so much more than the 'sum of her parts'!

Directly out of high school (over 40 years ago), Sandy attended Hibbing Community College Program in Nursing where she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing. She began her professional career as a staff nurse at her local hospital. Eventually, Sandy furthered her nursing education, earning both her Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees in Nursing (as well as a degree in elementary education!). With her passion for teaching, she transitioned from hospital staff nursing to establishing, directing, and teaching in a Nursing Assistant Program whose success was vital to serving the need for Nursing Assistants in her local communities. Onward, Sandy transitioned to a faculty position at Hibbing Community College Program in Nursing (her alma mater), where since 2015 she has served as both faculty and program director. And so, Sandy has played a vital role in shaping generations of nursing assistants and nurses; most of whom would testify to Sandy's positive impact on their success. It is especially tragic that Sandy was poised to retire soon from her long time nursing career.

Whether in her personal or professional life, Sandy embodies the true essence of a compassionate carer and caregiver. Sandy tirelessly (I often call her the Energizer Bunny) and selflessly gives of her time, talent, and treasure. Countless family members and friends and past and present students and colleagues can attest to the fact that Sandy is a steadfast rock of support. She is one of the hardest workers I have ever known. Sandy's ability to 'Talk the Talk AND Walk the Walk' is extraordinary-she backs up her words with equivalent actions. Her door AND heart are always open and she lends an ear and shoulder without judgment. She is a tenacious advocate for those unable or unwilling to speak-up or stand-up for themselves. She has an abudantly generous spirit and is a tenaciously independent woman. Sandy's decisions and subsequent actions are guided by the principle 'what is the right thing to do?' rather then secondary gain. And ALL of this wonderfullness is done in her humble and unassuming manner!

Always there for others, Sandy is now in need of our help as she battles to recover physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, all the hard work has to be done by Sandy herself. But we can help smooth over that rough road to recovery in other ways. There is a legion of people praying for Sandy for which we will be forever grateful and I ask that you continue to offer up prayers for there is great power in prayer. Another way I am respectfully asking you to help, is financially. At this time, and for quite some time moving forward, there are endless unknowns about Sandy's future outcomes. What we do know however and unfortunately, is that Sandy and her family have a long and arduous journey ahead of them. This journey will be ladened with an unknown, but certainly exorbitant financial burden; only adding to the overall hardship being endured. This fact is their new reality; but it is a reality many can help with. By helping to ease the financial burden, we help Sandy and her family focus on the many other burdens associated with Sandy's battle to survive and recover.

Funds will be used to help with medical bills, rehabilitative services, out-of-pocket costs, adaptive equipment, home re-modification, and home care. In addition, funds will also be used to help with family expenses associated with Sandy's catastrophic illness. Sandy's hospital and rehabilitative care is located 4 hours from her home and family have been by her side since day one; their presence is essentail to Sandy's recovery. This, of course, has already caused a financial burden that will only intensify over time (gas, food, hotel and lost work income for some).

Whether or not you are able to donate to this worthy cause, please continue to pray for Sandy and her family as they continue to bravely face the uncertainities ahead.