David was seriously injured in a car accident. He swerved to miss a deer and his car struck a tree. David sustained a traumatic brain injury, fractured the orbit in his right eye and had a collapsed lung. He spent 3 months in the hospital. With an ample amount of hard work and love, David was able to return to school to compete his senior year. He graduate summa cum laude and maintained a 4.0 grade average.
Despite her mother spending 12 weeks on bed rest, Ansley Epp was born 8 weeks early, and given a 1 to 3% chance of survival. Ansley was immediately rushed to neonatal intensive care unit. After 33 days spent in the hospital, Ansley was finally able to go home although she was labeled an “at-risk” baby and still required round-the-clock care. Caring for Ansley caused her parents to miss a lot of work, causing financial hardship. Spare Key provided much needed support during a critical time. We are happy to report Ansley celebrated a very healthy 1st birthday with her parents and big sister Avery.
Following a football injury, Dalton was diagnosed with MRSA Staph infection. His parents spent 9 weeks by his side at Saint Paul Children’s Hospital as he endured aggressive treatment, including 13 surgeries in 5 weeks. Time away from work and home took a toll on the Matthies family. Spare Key was able to lend assistance when it was needed most, and in the words of Mrs. Matthies, the family stills lives in "...the house that Spare Key saved." Dalton has fully recovered and returned to doing the things he loves, including running and playing football.
Mason was born Dec. 27, 2001- diagnosed with breathing problems and a tumor in his chest, which wrapped around his spine. He began receiving chemotherapy December 31st. After several treatments, tests and infections, Mason fought through it and his cancer was declared in remission. Today Mason is full of mischief and humor and enjoys baseball and riding and jumping his bike.
Lance Axel (known to all as Axel) was a 15 year old young man who loved the outdoors, his family and life when he was diagnosed with cancer. He never let the diagnosis slow him down and focused on living life. Axel underwent several surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments before passing away at the age of 17.
Joey was diagnosed with Acute Lympocytic Leukemia and later diagnosed with a much higher risk-Acute Lymphoid Leukemia.
"I just needed to tell someone from this wonderful organization how much the help you have provided means to us. Thanks for the relief and comfort given to us." -Jeglosky Family
Spencer (right) was bitten by a mosquito carrying an unidentified type of disease resulting in seizures and frequent mood swings. After a long recovery, the "old" Spencer is able to laugh and have fun with his family once again.
