To the editor:

Over three years ago I wrote a letter like the one I am writing now. My Dad, Dennis “Dodger Denny” Olson, unexpectedly passed away. The amount of love and support my family was shown from the city of Fort Dodge was so entirely out of this world. My mom wondered how we would ever thank each person. So, I wrote a Letter to the Editor hoping I could reach as community members as possible.

So, I am doing this again — same idea but different parent. In December of 2020 our entire lives changed in a single emergency room visit. My Mom, Kathy Miller-Olson, was diagnosed with AML a form of leukemia. Over the span of the last year, she has been in and out of hospitals and skilled care facilities. During this I saw a family friend who was also battling cancer receive a room makeover from a new organization in town.

My Happy Haven is a nonprofit with a mission to offer bedroom transformations for women diagnosed with cancer. Their hope is to offer a sanctuary to relax and heal from the challenges of the disease. I went to their Facebook, nominated my mom, and thankfully was picked. The entire process was one of the coolest things I have witnessed.

My mom kept saying to “how will we ever thank all these people?” My hope is that like the letter I sent before this will do the same.

First and foremost, thanks to all the people who contributed to her room as well as remind people yet again what an amazing community we live in.

The organization of My Happy Haven, I don’t have the words to express or show you my gratitude or my sibling’s. While my mom has yet to come home you gave another reason to work harder and look forward.

The individuals that are a part of your organization are the kind of people I can only hope my daughters will grow up to be. Individuals that want nothing, but to bring much needed joy for nothing in return. A lot of these women who are awarded a room are complete strangers to the staff. Strangers or not they give their time as well as their all.

The staff that came to my mom’s house were there on weekends, nights, and after working their day jobs. On some occasions even their family members were there to help.

There are so many ways and people that made her room a success. To those that contributed in a monetary fashion, to those that contributed by sharing her story and fundraiser link on social media, and to the businesses like Doyle Construction, Trevino Drywall, Supreme Painting & Power Washing, just to name a few I want to say “thank you.”

I just want to let it be known that we appreciate what was done. All these individuals and businesses are more than just singular players working together for a good cause. They are a part of a wonderful community that continues to go above and beyond, and not just for my family but for others. We live in a community surrounded and wrongly construed of straight negativity. I couldn’t be prouder to be from this community.

Laura Sanchez

Fort Dodge