My name is Heather Gabert, and for those who don’t know me, I’m Mindy Fitzpatrick’s older sister. I’m reaching out on behalf of Mindy and her partner, Matt St Peter, who are the heart and soul behind the Wardsboro Country Store. If you know them, you know how fiercely independent they are—they’d never ask for help themselves, even when times are tough. But right now, they’re facing a challenge that no one should have to face alone.


On the afternoon of November 23rd, Matt suddenly collapsed at the store. At first, we feared it was a heart attack, but it turned out to be something even more serious: an extensive aortic dissection. Thanks to the quick response of our local emergency team, Matt was rushed to Dartmouth for emergency surgery. The operation lasted over six hours, and while there was significant damage, we are incredibly grateful that Matt is still with us. He’s currently in the ICU, and the road to recovery is uncertain as we wait to see how he responds to treatment.


This crisis comes on the heels of an already difficult couple of months for Mindy and Matt. As the main employees and owners of the Wardsboro Country Store, they’ve poured their hearts into serving our community. At home, they are also caring for their two youngest daughters, Sophia (7) and Camryn (10), who lives with type 1 diabetes. Now, they need time to heal—physically, emotionally, and financially—and to be there for their girls. The funds raised here will help cover their living expenses and give them the breathing room to step away from the store while Matt recovers and focus on their family. Your support will mean the world to them and will help keep the spirit of the Wardsboro Country Store alive during this difficult time. It’s okay to need help once in a while, and I know our community is ready to rally around Mindy, Matt, Sophia, and Camryn in any way possible.