The family of Melanie Valencia Galicia

My name is Brent Kivell and I coached Melanie on three different teams over the years, both with the Northfield Soccer Association and at the Northfield Middle School. Without a doubt Melanie was one of the most talented players I have ever had the pleasure to coach. But her talent on the field paled in comparison to the person she was off the field. She was kind, courteous, respectful and encouraging. Those were the traits that led her to being named a captain on her summer team earlier this year.

For those who may not know her story, Melanie was struck by a car on Tuesday, August 2 while biking to the soccer fields in Northfield for a captain's practice in preperation for her first season at the high school. She suffered severe head trauma among other injuries and was transported via helicopter to Hennepin County Medical Center. She has been in intensive care since then and as of this writing (Aug. 4) her prognosis for recovery is not good. Regardless of the outcome, the medical bills for her family will no doubt be staggering. All funds raised here will be given to her family to help offset those costs. Thank you for considering.

Please note: At this time, it seems my name shows up as "beneficiary" since I am the organizer. Rest assured, this is not the case. When appropriate, I will approach the family about adding them as the beneficiary.