Meet Eric Bjorlie.
He was working at the Devils Lake Dairy Queen on Miracle Treat Day, Thursday, July 27, taking orders, talking to customers and making Blizzards. For each Blizzard sold that day, a portion of that sale will be donated to Sanford’s Childrens Hospital in Fargo. He’s a “Miracle Child” – one of the many helped by donations raised on Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen.
A year ago, last July, when he was 11 years old, Eric was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that attacked his kidneys. Although he is a bright-eyed, alert and friendly kid, he told the Journal that his kidneys were only working at about 2% of their capacity. Therefore, he needs a new kidney.
Until that happens he is on regular dialysis treatments that previously they had to travel to the hospital in Fargo for on a regular basis, but which now they are able to do at home.
That transplant surgery is scheduled for October. He’ll be taking a couple of months off for the surgery and recovery, but is looking forward to being able to start 7th grade at Dakota Prairie after he recovers some from his transplant. Up to this point he said he’s been home schooled, but he is excited about attending public school eventually, once he is able to.
His folks are Lacie and Isaac and he has a 4-year-old brother, Eddie, two sisters; Brianna, 8, and Adelia, 2, three dogs; Gabby, Jack and Daisy and two cats; Bella and Georgia. Definitely a full and happy home.
Eric enjoys reading books and playing board games, especially chess.
He’s looking forward to the family’s planned move to Tolna where they will be living in a “much nicer and bigger house” Eric said.
Dad, Isaac, pointed out that a benefit fund to help with all the expences they will incur has been set up with Farmers & Merchants Bank of ND in Tolna, ND. Some time in September there will also be an actual benefit event for Eric and the Bjorlie family to also help with the many expenses they will have from this experience. As plans for this benefit are finalized, it is our hope they will contact the Devils Lake Journal at loleson@cmpapers.com and let the editor (Louise) know the date and location of this event so we can let people know about it and/or attend it ourselves.
