DULUTH, Minn. — A collection of Iron Range communities is wrapping its arms around a family whose teen daughter was badly injured in a crash involving a moose that had wandered onto a northern Minnesota highway.
Hockey programs from Eveleth/Gilbert and Virginia will hold a benefit called "A Night for Katie" on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the Eveleth Hippodrome. There will be benefit hockey games, raffles, silent auctions and other activities to raise money for 16-year-old Katie Johnson, who plays defense for the Rock Ridge High School Wolverines.
Johnson was a passenger in a vehicle headed north on Highway 53 near Virginia the night of Oct. 28 when they hit a moose that had wandered onto the road. Two other vehicles were eventually involved in the incident, but Katie was the only one injured. She was airlifted to Essentia Health St. Mary's in Duluth.
A GoFundMe account started by family friends of the Johnsons said Katie remains in the ICU more than a week after the crash, recovering from multiple injuries including those to her neck, back and spine. On Wednesday she had a spinal fusion procedure which her mother said went well.
"We are truly blessed Katie survived and that she is here with us today," reads the GoFundMe post. "Her road to recovery will be very long and we hope to raise money to help Lyle and Michelle for whatever needs arise. They have both taken time away from their jobs so they can focus on Katie. There will be expenses such as travel, lodging, medical bills, meals and basic daily needs. Our hope is that the funds raised will help alleviate some of that worry for the family."
As of Thursday, the fund has raised more than $52,000 of its $60,000 goal. The Johnson family is expressing their gratitude for everyone who reached out to help, saying they are blessed to be part of "a generous and supportive community."
If you'd like to help, click here.
Supporters of the Johnsons have also set up a fund for the family at the First National Bank of Gilbert.
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