12-Year-Old Fargo Boy Dies; Six Other Local Families Seek Aid
Lend A Hand Up is supporting seven North Dakota and Minnesota families dealing with severe illness or recent loss, including a new memorial for a child who died in October.
By Bianca Herrera ·
North Dakota and Minnesota residents can now contribute to seven new health and loss funds managed by a local nonprofit. The organization is seeking donations for families in the Fargo, Moorhead, and Minot regions who are facing financial strain from serious medical conditions or bereavement.
Nolan Powell-Calhoun, a 12-year-old from Fargo, died on Oct. 7, 2026, following a sudden medical event. The new fund will provide financial assistance to his parents, siblings, and other loved ones. Nolan was described as a student, musician, and athlete.
Mackenzie Schram of Horace recently finished breast cancer treatment but developed continuous headaches. An MRI revealed multiple brain lesions, one the size of a golf ball. She is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy at Mayo Clinic. The fund will help cover medical bills and lost wages for her three children, for whom she is the sole guardian.
Anthony Duncan of West Fargo is treating metastatic testicular cancer. Since early 2023, he has completed 33 chemotherapy cycles, a bone marrow transplant, and several surgeries. A surgery in May 2026 resulted in cardiac arrest. He is currently seeking clinical trials while continuing his surgical residency.
Rusti Post of Aneta, North Dakota, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, sepsis, and acute encephalopathy on Feb. 18. Doctors found skull base defects on both sides of her skull. She had brain surgery in April to repair the right side and again in September to repair the left side. She continues to experience headaches, weakness, and cognitive difficulties.
Brianna Thompson of West Fargo was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. She is a pharmacy student at NDSU and a member of the ND Army National Guard. She had surgery on her hip bones and left leg in late August. She currently uses a wheelchair to prevent fractures while receiving chemo and radiation.
Amy Noer of Moorhead was admitted to the ICU in September after being diagnosed with pneumonia, sepsis, kidney injury, and heart failure. She spent most of October in the hospital without a definitive cause. A team of doctors at Mayo Clinic is now working to determine a treatment plan.
Finley Edward Doerr, a 2-year-old from Minot, North Dakota, is battling Wilms tumor, a childhood kidney cancer affecting both kidneys. His parents, a teacher and a construction worker, need support for medical costs, travel, lodging, and meals. He is receiving treatment in Fargo and at Mayo Clinic.
A benefit event for Tyler Hasse of Moorhead will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Reed Township Hall in West Fargo. Hasse was recently diagnosed with ALS. The event will feature tacos, live music, and a silent auction.
Lend A Hand Up is a 501c3 nonprofit subsidiary of Dakota Medical Foundation. It serves all North Dakota counties and select northwestern Minnesota counties. A 20% boost from sponsors increases the value of all gifts made through the organization. The group does not charge fees to recipients. Donors can visit LendAHandUp.org or call 701-356-2661.
