Jessica Stölen
Editor
jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com
After Jennifer Hanych-Johnson suffered an unimaginable loss when her daughter Kelsi Krueger passed away in October, 2021, Jennifer turned her heartbreak into a purpose and formed a new non-profit called Kelsi’s Hope.
Kelsi was Type 1 Diabetic and was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure, and was put on dialysis three days a week. “Kelsi left behind 2 young boys at the time Wesley was 5 and Bentley 4. They greatly miss their mommy. So one day it hit me to make a care and comfort bag for patients in dialysis. Kelsi use to say it was so cold there and boring and lonely. So we came up with these bags that included a fleece tie blanket in which we make ourselves,” says Jennifer.
Kelsi’s children help with the project as well. “The boys help tie as I cut and the memories of mom come and we just talk the healing of grief is so amazing doing this but also to keep Kelsi’s memory alive for all of us,” Jennifer says.
The bags also include crossword puzzles, lotion, chapstic, tissues, snacks, gum and water bottles. “We include prayer cards and a wooden cross with a verse on them. So the patients keep hope in the lord and know they are never alone. It’s been such an honor give these bags and see the patients faces light up. The patients smiles says it all,” Jennifer says.
The family has even delivered bags to home dialysis patients. “We have gone now to 15 units now and our goal is to reach every unit in Minnesota once a year. We have also decided that we will be having a drive to raise money for Christmas to be able to deliver a bag to patients in a hospital unit that may not be able to be with family a home during Christmas,” she says.
The family has a Facebook page for the non-profit that not only keeps the patients updated on their journeys, but the community as well. “This has just been a honor to do yes my days off of work which I work a local hospital taking care of patients now. I am busy on my days off making blankets bags and taking care of my grandson but it’s all for my sweet daughter Kelsi and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Missing her like crazy but also keeping her memory alive in me and her sons,” Jennifer says.
For more information, visit Kelsi’s Hope on Facebook.
