A Moorhead family is facing multiple health challenges, prompting community support through online fundraising initiatives. Six-year-old Liam Robertson has been diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare immune disorder. Following a bout of pneumonia and enlarged lymph nodes, medical evaluations revealed the condition, which significantly impairs the body’s ability to combat certain infections. Liam is scheduled to undergo a critical bone marrow transplant, with his younger sister, Violet Robertson, identified as a perfect match, offering hope for a potential cure.
In another challenging situation, Angie Gamradt from West Fargo has been battling Functional Neurological Disorder for the past 18 months. This condition disrupts the communication between the brain and body, leading to significant challenges in daily functioning. Recently, her care team discovered that she has lost awareness of her body’s position in space and time, resulting in symptoms akin to those of a traumatic brain injury. Friends of Gamradt have initiated an online fundraiser to assist with specialized medications critical for her ongoing treatment.
Meanwhile, Marcy Skiple from Fargo was rushed to the emergency room after experiencing severe health issues. Urgent CT scans revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by two ruptured brain aneurysms. She is currently in the intensive care unit, receiving continuous medical attention after undergoing multiple emergency procedures, including the placement of an external ventricular drain to alleviate intracranial pressure, along with an angiogram that involved four stent placements to control the bleeding. An online fundraising campaign has also been established to support her medical expenses.
To assist these families and others in similar situations, the organization Lend A Hand Up is currently conducting its Holiday Hand Up Giving Campaign, which runs through December 31, 2025. Donations made during this period are eligible for matching funds, enhancing the financial support available for families facing health-related hardships. This nonprofit, a subsidiary of the Dakota Medical Foundation, aims to provide financial assistance to families in need across several counties, including Cass, Steele, and Grand Forks.
Generous contributions made to Lend A Hand Up’s cause are amplified by a 20% increase in value through matching sponsors, and the organization does not impose any fees on donations directed to recipients. Community members interested in starting a fundraiser or supporting existing ones can visit www.lendahandup.org or contact them at 701-356-2661.
As families in the Moorhead area navigate these significant health challenges, the collective support from the community plays a vital role in alleviating their burdens.
