In less than 3 years, my parents have experienced an overwhelming amount of health issues, which have included numerous ambulance rides, life flights to Fargo, and over 13 hospital stays.

My dad, Luke, has had 4 separate strokes requiring 3 brain surgeries, with one to place a stent. He has Myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a rare blood cancer in the bone marrow that causes extreme fatigue, pain, and the need for blood transfusions due to anemia. He has also been hospitalized with pericarditis, which is an infection of the heart lining, along with sepsis that put him into the ICU. My dad suffers from an autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis, that has caused pneumonia several times. Because of the area of the brain that was affected by the strokes, he has developed Parkinson's dementia, which has caused severe depression. He is in constant pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, for which he takes injectable medication to help alleviate symptoms. He is still under the care of specialists in Fargo.

While trying to manage my dad's health issues, my mom, Sharon, suffered a heart attack in March of 2024. The heart attack caused a stroke due to 4 blood clots. Three clots went to the brain and one to the eye, which has resulted in vision loss. My mom still has complications with left-sided weakness and nerve pain. She is scheduled to have a heart procedure next month in Fargo to implant a device to help prevent further strokes. A much-needed total hip replacement has been put on hold in order to care for my dad, who, due to being a fall risk, cannot be left unattended.

After the strokes, both my parents had to spend time in a Grand Forks rehab hospital learning to walk again and perform activities of daily living such as bathing and eating. Both my parents take several daily medications, including a blood thinner, which costs $534 per month even after insurance.

I have taken a part-time leave from work at Sanford to help care for both my parents' needs. I assist them with medication setup, transportation to appointments, daily care, finance organization, and basic nursing duties such as blood pressure checks.

The care my parents have received from Sanford in both Thief River Falls and Fargo has been life-saving. We are forever grateful for their knowledge and kindness.

Any amount donated will be used for past and ongoing medical expenses such as medications, hospital bills, travel, EMS/Life flight services, and home medical equipment.

Thank you.