Ask anyone about the community of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and you’ll hear you two things:
People in Aberdeen are always willing to lend a helping hand. And people in Aberdeen love hockey. In October, those two things came together in a big way when hundreds turned out to see the Aberdeen Wings take on the Austin Bruins at the Odde Ice Center for Children’s Miracle Network weekend. Following the game, a custom jersey auction raised more than $30,000 for Sanford Children’s in Sioux Falls.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Aberdeen Wings for their continued support, and to all those who supported this effort,” said Crystal Wolfe Goehring, a development officer for the Sanford Health Foundation. “The Aberdeen community has always been a place that steps up to help, and this year is no exception. Thanks to you, we’re able to help kids and families who need and deserve care close to home.”
Kids like Lawson Waldman, a 7-year-old from Aberdeen who loves cheering for the Wings.
Lawson’s Story
Born with down syndrome, a heart defect and a bone marrow disorder, Lawson and his family make frequent trips to Sanford Children’s in Sioux Falls where doctors monitor his body for signs of leukemia, evaluate his heart, and treat a newly diagnosed auto-immune disease. He also receives specialty care from Sanford Health in Aberdeen.
His family is grateful to his team of health care providers, including the Child Life Specialists at Sanford Children’s whose primary focus is to ease the fears and concerns of children and their family members.
Made possible thanks entirely to philanthropy, Child Life Specialists empower patients and their families through programs, activities and support groups — all of which are of no cost to families.
In celebration of Lawson and his health care journey, and in recognition of his love for hockey, the Wings presented him with a kids-size version of the custom jersey at the event. He loved it!
Give for Good
100% of gifts to Sanford Children’s help care for kids and families right here at home by supporting areas like these:
- Child Life, school tutoring, music therapy and camps for kids with chronic health conditions — all of which are provided at no cost to families.
- State-of-the-art equipment and facility improvements that offer lifesaving care and comfort for patients and families.
- Educational conferences and advanced training that help staff stay on the leading edge of pediatric care.
- Assistance with lodging, transportation and meals that allow families to focus on what’s important — helping their child heal.
Learn more about giving to Sanford Children’s