(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by a reader).

The unthinkable happened to retired Minnesota National Guard Master Sgt. Launette Figliuzzi a little over one year ago when she had a serious medical issue and was not able to be airlifted to Minneapolis due to road closures caused by rioting. 

Launette desperately needed a specific shot which needed to be administered within three hours of her medical event. Tragically, since she was unable to receive the shot during that time frame, Launette became paralyzed by the time the ambulance reached her.

Santiago Lions Club, Becker Lions Club and  Clear Lake Lions teamed up and all organizations donated money to Launette and her family, whose home needs many more modifications to accommodate her paralysis. Tom and Launette Figliuzzi are making a trip to Tucson, AZ to purchase a standing wheelchair that will help tremendously. The cost of the wheelchair alone is $25,000. 

If there are any other organizations or individuals that would like to help out with a donation, contact Tom at 218-329-9139 or email: tom.figliuzzi59@gmail.com or by U.S. mail: Tom and Launette Figliuzzi, 27454 107th St. NW, Zimmerman, MN 55398.