He has recently received a heart transplant and is recovering
ISHPEMING -- Ishpeming residents rallied, once again, to help one of their own Saturday.
Griffin Helsten, nine, has a genetic condition that makes his heart function at only 20 percent of normal. He has recently received a heart transplant and is recovering. Griffin could not attend the fundraiser as his immune system is still too weak. The Helstens must travel to and from Milwaukee for weekly check-ups.
Saturday's fundraiser at the Ishpeming National Guard Armory is to help the Helsten family pay their traveling expenses. There was a spaghetti dinner, raffle prizes, T-shirts for sale, and fun for the kids.
"We're thankful, so thankful for the support from everybody. We don't know how we'd get through this without the support. It's been absolutely amazing," said Lisa Helsten, Griffin's mother.
The donor was a 16-year-old girl named Katie who was killed in a car crash. The Helstens said they are forever grateful to the donor's family.
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