Joshua Liljenquist

When I met six-year-old Evelyn, she had already spent 300 days in the hospital. At bedtime, she tells her mom, “Let’s talk about going home.” Evelyn has survived ten heart surgeries and is waiting for a heart transplant in Rochester, Minnesota. Her family dreams of finally being home together and eating dinner around their own table. For now, home is about two hours away. Her dad works full time, mom is at the hospital most days and works part time on the weekends. They are also caring for Evelyn’s three-year-old brother. Between work and hospital trips, they rarely get to be together as a whole family. Her mom explained how important that time together is for Evelyn: “It makes a world of a difference to her when we’re here versus when we’re not here [at the hospital].” This fundraiser will help cover their mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, and out-of-pocket medical and recovery expenses so her parents have more flexibility to be by her side, both while she waits and through her transplant recovery. Together, we can give Evelyn’s family the breathing room they need to spend less time worrying about bills and more time with each other through this challenging time.

Earlier this year, Major lost his truck after a rear tire came off while he was driving, sending the vehicle into a ditch where it rolled over. Major and his wife survived the crash, but Major was left without the transportation he depended on. Major has mobility challenges and uses a power chair, so having safe and reliable transportation makes a big difference in his independence. His previous truck had been purchased with help from his son so Major could continue getting around. Now we want to help him get back on the road. This fundraiser will go toward a safe, dependable vehicle for Major, along with the costs of getting it insured, registered, and ready for him to use. A vehicle would help him get to appointments, stay connected with family, and make the trips that are important to him without having to depend on others for transportation. When we met Major, he told us, “My dream is to help everyone that I can help”... Now we have the opportunity to help him ❤️

When we first met Harper, she was selling cookies at her stand. What started as a simple stop to buy some cookies turned into meeting an incredibly strong little girl and a family fighting for something much bigger. Harper has a rare vascular condition called Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation syndrome, or CM-AVM. It causes abnormal connections between arteries and veins throughout her body and can lead to pain, swelling, bleeding, and serious complications. Her family has spent countless hours searching for the best treatment available. That search has led them to a specialized treatment called Modified Electrosclerotherapy, or MEST, with a team of specialists in Italy. Harper is expected to need multiple trips overseas for treatment, and there is also a possibility she may eventually need surgery. Between medical expenses, international travel, lodging, transportation, meals, and time away from work, the financial burden on Harper's family is enormous. After meeting Harper and her family, we knew we wanted to do more than just buy some cookies. We want to rally this community around her. Funds raised through this fundraiser will help Harper's family cover her medical treatment, travel, lodging, transportation, and other expenses associated with getting her the care she needs. Whether you can donate $5, $10, $100, or simply share Harper's story, every bit of support matters. Harper deserves the chance to spend less time worrying about doctors, procedures, and pain, and more time simply being a kid. Let's show Harper and her family just how many people are standing behind them. Harper, we love you and your family, and we're honored to be part of your journey. We can't wait to see you guys again soon! And to all the amazing people who make moments like this possible, thank you for helping us Live to Love.

When asked her biggest prayer, Shawna said: “That people don’t have to go hungry.” For the last three and a half years, Shawna has been feeding people in her community and letting them pay whatever they can afford. Sometimes that means a donation. Sometimes that means a free meal. Either way, Shawna serves because she knows what it feels like to struggle. After a divorce, she had to start over as a single mom of three, working multiple jobs and trying to keep food on the table. There were times she did not know where the next meal would come from. Instead of letting those hard times get her down, Shawna turned them into a mission. Right now, she and her family serve meals twice a month with whatever donations and help they can gather. Her dream is to open a Pay What You Can Cafe, a safe place where people can come in from the cold, eat a meal, and be treated with dignity. If someone cannot pay, they can still eat. If they want to help, they can clear tables, wash dishes, sweep, or volunteer. Shawna also hopes to add a small clothing and essentials area where people can get what they need, even if they do not have money. Eventually, she wants the cafe to create opportunities for people who need a second chance, including those coming out of prison and trying to rebuild their lives. This fundraiser will help Shawna take the next step toward a building, kitchen equipment, food supplies, permits, storage, tables, basic furnishings, and the resources needed to serve people more often. Help Shawna turn years of service into a permanent place of hope for the people who need it most.

For the past six years, Mindy has been fighting stage 4 cancer through more than 150 rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, and countless difficult days. Through it all, she and her husband, Tom, have stayed incredibly positive and continued doing everything they can for their family. Right now, one of Mindy’s biggest challenges is simply getting safely in and out of her home. Mindy also has diabetes and has been dealing with a serious foot injury that has struggled to heal. She often relies on a walker or wheelchair, but their driveway is badly uneven and has become a fall hazard. Her walker and wheelchair can catch in the broken pavement, and a fall could cause an injury that her weakened body may have a very difficult time recovering from. Tom works full time to support their family, but between medical expenses, unreliable vehicles, and everyday bills, there simply has not been enough left over to replace the driveway. We want to change that. This fundraiser will primarily help give Mindy a safe, accessible driveway so she can get to appointments and leave her home without constantly worrying about falling. Any additional support will help with transportation, medical expenses, and some much-needed breathing room for Mindy and Tom.

Steven is a pastor in Garden City, Kansas, a father, a two-time cancer survivor, and he is now in renal failure. After years of cancer treatment, including a bone marrow transplant, his kidneys failed. Today, dialysis is keeping him alive while he waits for a living kidney donor. Steven does dialysis multiple times a day, sometimes up to five times when he is not feeling well. Because of his medical history, finding the right kidney match is more complicated. But a living donor could save his life. The financial burden has become overwhelming. Steven has completely drained retirement funds, fallen behind on bills, and is trying to cover medical costs, dialysis expenses, rent, utilities, transportation, and basic needs while he fights to stay alive. This fundraiser will help Steven stay stable, housed, and able to continue treatment while he searches for a kidney. All donations will help with the medical and living costs surrounding his fight for life. (Donations do not pay for a kidney or compensate a donor.) Steven is also looking for a living kidney donor. If you feel called to apply, complete the Living Kidney Donor Application: https://www.hcamidwest.com/patient-resources/living-donor-program (Use the information below to apply for a match with Steven. HCA requires you enter his full name and birth date.)

When Reanna’s 7 year old daughter was asked to draw something she wanted, she drew a tent... Not because she wanted to go camping, but because her family is on the verge of homelessness. Reanna is a single mom of three who works full time as a CNA and med aide. Even while doing everything she can to provide, she received a short eviction notice and has been struggling to find affordable housing for herself and her children. She has nowhere else to go. Donations will help Reanna cover safe housing, a deposit or first month’s rent, moving costs, food, transportation, and basic necessities as she rebuilds stability for her kids. Please donate or share to help give this family a safe place to call home.