Eric Bjorlie, left, with his characteristic broad smile, waits on a customer at the Devils Lake Dairy Queen on July 27 during Miracle Treat Day.
On Sept. 10 from 12 p.m. (Noon) to 3 p.m. there will be a Benefit fundraiser for Eric and Isaac Bjorlie at the Tolna Business Center, in Tolna, ND, and everyone from the surrounding area is invited.
Eric is a 12-year-old youngster from the Tolna area who was recently featured as a “Miracle Child” at the Devils Lake Dairy Queen on Miracle Treat Day on July 27 this year. Eric worked at the DQ waiting on customers, making blizzards and being an ambassador for the fundraiser for Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Their efforts combined with those of Dairy Queens around the state help to fund the hospital’s life-saving work because on that day a portion of the cost of every Blizzard treat that was sold in participating DQs went to Sanford Children’s Hospital – Fargo as a donation to continue serving the sick children of the region.
Eric was diagnosed with Wegner’s Granulomatosis and Thrombotic Microangiopathies Disease in 2022. He said right now, a year later, his kidneys are operating at only about 2% of capacity, his kidneys are failing. Up to this point, Eric has already had numerous medical appointments, tests and has to undergo daily peritoneal kidney dialysis, all the while maintaining his positive outlook. And he does! You won’t meet a more friendly, upbeat, articulate youngster than Eric Bjorlie. He has a smile that just doesn’t quit.
Eric’s dad, Isaac Bjorlie, is an exact match for his son. They have a transplant surgery scheduled for October. This surgery requires weeks in the hospital then a few months of appointments in Minneapolis followed by regular follow-up appointments, possibly for the rest of his life. Whether scheduled in Fargo or Minneapolis – most of this medical care is miles and miles away from Tolna and the Bjorlie family’s home. They are looking at mounting travel expenses as well as medical costs.
But you can help! The Benefit planned for Eric and his family will raise funds for them to survive and thrive through this ordeal. You and your family and friends can attend the Benefit planned for Sunday, Sept. 10 and give whatever you can to help them. Why not put together a basket for the Silent Auction? If you’re a business owner, provide coupons or donations that will help the family keep up with the expenses. A free will offering will be taken at the Benefit to help Eric and his family. Food will be provided for a free will offering by the Sweet Prairie Food Truck.
If you can’t attend the Benefit, donations can be dropped off at Farmers and Merchants Bank – Tolna, ND., where a benefit account is set up there for the family.
