Auntie's Angels
Quality Care and a Sister’s Sorrow Spur Annual Gift
Born at 32 weeks and 5 days, preemie twin boys Lane and Lennox, were welcomed to the world by their parents, Brenna and Adam Grund of Granite Falls, MN. Brenna initially thought she was prepared for the experience but soon found the experience overwhelming. During their stay at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) they were met with a multitude of care givers who truly changed their lives. Not only did they deliver the highest quality of care for both the twin boys, they also ensured that the needs of Brenna, Adam and their two older boys, Karter and Liam, were met. After a few weeks, the twins were finally were ready to go home. Brenna described a feeling of immense joy as they walked out of the hospital with the entire family for the first time.
In 2018, Brenna suffered the loss of her sister, Courtney. Devastated by her untimely passing, Brenna and Adam decided to honor Courtney’s memory while giving back to those who helped care for their twin boys. Brenna remembered how much her sister loved birthdays. She always celebrated her own but also made sure others were treated with a kind gesture on their special day. Courtney’s enthusiasm for birthdays inspired an idea and a way of giving back. Every year, the family does something for someone else during Courtney’s birthday month. Each year is different. One year the family donated to Go Fund Me accounts. Another year, they purchased gifts off Amazon registries for children. This year, they decided to make it big goodie baskets. The Grunds and some helpers assembled and delivered 30 goodie baskets filled with gifts, snacks and other items for families in the NICU. “Auntie’s Angels” is their way to honor a life lost too soon and welcome new life at Avera’s NICU. This is the third year delivering the baskets and the family is grateful they have a way to support the mission of Avera.
Today, both Lane and Lennox are thriving and have no set-backs due to their early arrival. The memories of losing Courtney and the long days and nights in the NICU remain fresh in Brenna and Adam’s minds, but they are grateful every day as they watch their sons grow up. They count their blessings, all four of them, as well as the skilled and thoughtful care team who supported their family.
