Laurelle Domaika is an amazing 21-year-old personal care assistant for Mayo Hospital-Mankato, with dreams of starting nursing school in the summer of 2026. Raised in Swanville, MN, and a 2022 graduate of Swanville High School, Laurelle is the beloved daughter of James and Heather Dickinson.

She has always been known for her compassion and determination; qualities that shine through in her work and her relationships with family and friends.

On December 2, 2025, Laurelle’s life changed in an instant. While on her way to church in Burnsville, the driver of the vehicle she was riding in, suffered a medical emergency, leading to a devastating accident. The car, traveling at highway speeds, rear-ended a John Deere combine causing indescribable damage. Laurelle, an innocent passenger, was trapped and had to be removed with the jaws of life before being airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center.

She is currently receiving care for a spinal cord injury, a partially dissected aorta, fractured ribs, and bilateral (left and right) broken ankles. She has undergone a spinal fusion from T12 to L4 and faces additional surgeries to repair her ankles.

Her recovery will be long and challenging, requiring extended hospitalization and rehabilitation before she can return home to Swanville and eventually back to Mankato to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

During this time, Laurelle’s mother, Heather, has taken leave from her job at Fastenal in Little Falls to be by her side, leaving the family without their primary source of income. The financial strain is significant as they are tending to Laurelle’s monthly expenses (rent, car payment) for at least the next 6 months, along with Heather’s current expenses: lodging, gas, and food. Additional support is needed for travel expenses so that James and Laurelle's younger brother Archer can visit and support her through rehabilitation.

They are all grateful for the love, support, prayers, and good thoughts that everyone has sent so far. Even though this is a big life change for Laurelle, and the rest of the family, we know that they are going to get through this because they are strong and have the love and support of their friends/family/community!

Any help you can give means the world to Laurelle and her family as they face this challenging road ahead. Your generosity will help ease the financial burden and allow them to focus on Laurelle's recovery without having to worry about the financial aspect.