Community Rallies Behind Families Facing Hardship
The holiday season is often a time for giving and compassion, and this year, the Lend A Hand Up program is highlighting the needs of several families facing significant challenges. From unexpected health issues to battling serious illnesses, these individuals and families are relying on the generosity of the community to help them through difficult times.
Paige Tollefson: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Paige Tollefson, a 31-year-old wife and mother from Moorhead, is undergoing a challenging medical journey. In October, she was hospitalized due to a bleeding esophagus, and a gene mutation led to the development of two blood clots impacting her abdomen and liver. While treatment has yielded positive results for her liver and bowels, Paige remains hospitalized as doctors determine the best course of treatment for her condition.
To support Paige and her family during this uncertain time, Lend A Hand Up has launched an online fundraiser. Donations can be made at lendahandup.org.
Jace Denman: A Fight for Recovery
Jace Denman, a beloved husband, father, and familiar voice to many as the morning show host on WDAY Radio, experienced a major heart attack in late October.
Currently being cared for at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Jace faces a long road to recovery and may require a heart valve replacement or even a heart transplant.
To help Jace and his family cover mounting medical expenses and daily living costs, a spaghetti benefit will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st at the Moorhead American Legion, located at 303 30th St. N.
The event will feature a free-will spaghetti dinner, a silent auction, bake sale, games, and entertainment. Donations can also be made through Jace’s dedicated Lend A Hand Up online fundraiser page.
Mike Hansen: Battling Cancer with Courage
Mike Hansen of Hawley, Minnesota, is facing a difficult battle with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer that has also affected his liver. Intensive chemotherapy treatments have made it impossible for Mike to work, leaving him and his family to cope with mounting medical bills and daily living expenses.
On Saturday, December 7th, a benefit in Mike’s honor will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mainline Bar & Grill, located at 9571 State Hwy 9 in Downer, Minnesota.
The event will include a free-will meal, silent auction, and bake sale. Donations can also be made through Mike’s dedicated Lend A Hand Up online fundraiser page.
Lend A Hand Up’s Holiday Boost
During the week of December 1st to 5th, Lend A Hand Up is hosting its annual Holiday Hand Up event. All donations made during this period are pooled, matched, and distributed as holiday boosts to support all active Lend A Hand Up fundraisers.
This is a powerful opportunity to amplify the impact of donations and provide crucial support to families in need.
To learn more about these individuals and families or to make a donation, visit lendahandup.org.
Donations made by cash or check to Lend A Hand Up may be directed to a specific individual or family.
Lend A Hand Up is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary of the Dakota Medical Foundation. The program supports families residing in Cass, Clay, and Becker counties who are experiencing hardship due to a health issue, recent loss of life, or traumatic event.
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What are the challenges that Paige Tollefson and Jace Denman are facing?
This article talks about two families facing difficulties in the community. Let’s bring on Sarah Miller, Director of Lend A Hand Up, to discuss these heartwarming stories.
Welcome Sarah.
Thank you for having me.
Sarah, the holiday season is often a time for giving. This year it feels especially poignant given the stories of Paige Tollefson and Jace Denman. Can you tell us a bit about the challenges they are facing and how the community is stepping up to help?
Absolutely. Paige is facing complex medical issues and a long road to recovery. The community has rallied around her family through an online fundraiser to help with the mounting medical bills. [1]On the other hand, Jace, a well-known radio host, suffered a major heart attack. He’s facing costly treatments and rehabilitation. A spaghetti benefit dinner has been organized to help them cope with these unexpected expenses.
It’s truly inspiring to see the community come together to support these families. Are there other ways people can help?
Definitely! The best way to help Paige’s family is to donate through the online fundraiser at lendahandup.org. For Jace, attending the spaghetti benefit dinner at the Moorhead American Legion on December 1st would be a fantastic way to show your support. Even just spreading the word about these families and their needs can make a difference.
Thank you so much, Sarah. It’s truly inspiring to see the power of community in action.
It certainly is. We are always stronger when we help each other out.
