Wishing Well Starts the Year Strong

The Illies Family

The Illies family are facing a challenging and uncertain journey with their one-year-old son, Gunnar, diagnosed with a rapidly growing tumor on his face. The family has been grappling with the unknown nature of the tumor, undergoing surgeries, multiple hospital visits, and dealing with the emotional toll of the situation.

In August of this year, his parents started noticing a lump on his face near his nose. Over the next month, it continued to grow and they brought Gunnar in to have it checked out after being worried about how fast it had grown. They took X-rays and he had a large tumor growing on the side of his nose. The tumor was removed, and then in a very short period after the removal it grew back and is now back to the original size it was when it was removed. The tumor has tested negative for cancer, however, it has been impacting his breathing.

Understanding the financial strain on the Illies family due to travel expenses, time off work, and the escalating costs of their two young children’s daycare, the Wishing Well made a heartfelt donation of $1000 to cover daycare expenses for the Illies family. We hope this allows the Illies family to focus on Gunnar’s medical needs and spend valuable time together during this difficult period.

The Dotson Family

Tobias is a young student who is hard of hearing in one ear and is in need of a hearing aid. With all of the background noises present in the classroom, Tobias struggled to follow lessons. Tobias’s learning and listening skills were being impacted, so his teacher Mara sent us a wish for a hearing aid for Tobias to assist with his speech, language, and academic skills.

Recognizing the significant impact a hearing aid can have on Tobias’s life and education, the Wishing Well granted his wish for a much-needed hearing aid. We hope this hearing aid will make a positive impact on Tobias’s educational journey, allowing him to fully engage and thrive in academic settings.

Cavalier City Park

City parks serve as central hubs for community engagement and play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. The Cavalier City Park, with its focus on providing open-ended play for a diverse range of ages, is in the process of acquiring new equipment so the playground is up to current safety standards. The park is a gathering place for residents of all ages and is used for many community events.

In alignment with our mission to better the places we live, the Wishing Well has made a $5,000 donation to the Cavalier City Park to expand and reinforce the sandbox, emphasizing the vital role of city parks in rural communities. We hope this donation not only beautifies the park but also strengthens the sense of community and connectivity in and around Cavalier.

The Stroh Family

Bryan and Karri Stroh are devoted foster parents currently facing the challenging journey of their 19-month-old foster daughter, Heaven, undergoing leukemia treatment. Heaven’s diagnosis with leukemia came amid the holiday season, necessitating her immediate hospitalization and a prolonged stay in Fargo for six months of treatment. Despite the difficulties, Karri Stroh has been a constant presence by Heaven’s side. But their family has had limited opportunities to be together.

Having opened their hearts and home to numerous foster children, including adopting two and in the process of adopting a third, the Stroh family has been through an emotionally taxing period.

“Bryan and Karri are foster parents after raising their own five children,” Kris Stroh, Steele Choice employee, said. “They have adopted two of the foster children and are in the process of adopting a third. They have had most of these children since birth. My wish for this family is a hotel stay for the whole family so they could all be together. They have not had a chance to be together since this all started and family time is so very important.”

Moved by the Stroh family’s resilience and the importance of family unity during challenging times, the Wishing Well stepped in with a thoughtful gift. We provided the family with a hotel stay in Bismarck, complete with a waterpark to add a touch of joy, and organized a pizza party, enabling the entire family to gather and create new cherished memories with their siblings, parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The Anderson Family

We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate circumstances faced by the Anderson family, who recently lost all their possessions, including their two beloved dogs, in a devastating house fire.

In response to this distressing situation, the Choice Bank Wishing Well has extended a helping hand by providing a donation of $750 to the Anderson family. This financial support is intended to assist them in acquiring immediate necessities and groceries as they navigate the challenging process of rebuilding their lives after such a tragic loss.

At Choice Bank, we believe in the power of community and coming together in times of need. Our hearts go out to the Anderson family, and we hope that this contribution provides some relief during this difficult period.

The Choice Bank Wishing Well is accepting wishes! Ready to cast yours? Visit choicewishingwell.com and let us know who you would like to help out in your community.