NDAD is proud to support the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation in Fargo with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to help children, young adults, and families navigate serious heart and lung disease, including organ transplantation.  

Helping Families Stay Close During Treatment 

Founded after Ryder Schmidt's heart and double-lung transplant journey, the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation understands firsthand the emotional and financial challenges families face during prolonged medical treatment. The organization's Rural Heart and Lung Family Support Program provides care packages, comfort items, communication tools, and direct financial assistance to help families remain present with their loved ones during extended hospital stays.  

Grant funding will help support lodging, meals, transportation, and other essential expenses, while also expanding care package resources for families facing lengthy hospitalizations and complex medical care.  

“Families should be able to focus on supporting their loved ones, not worrying about how they will afford to stay by their side,” said Travis L. Schmidt, Chairperson of the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation. “This funding will help us provide meaningful support and practical assistance to families facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.”  

Easing Burdens and Supporting Healing 

Families receiving support often travel long distances for specialized treatment and may spend weeks or months away from home. By helping alleviate financial stress, the program allows caregivers to remain present during treatment, strengthening family support systems and helping patients and caregivers feel less alone throughout their medical journey.  

“Serious medical conditions affect entire families, not just the patient,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “The Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation is helping ease some of the financial and emotional burdens families experience during extended medical care, allowing them to focus on what matters most, supporting their loved one through treatment.” 

Continuing a Legacy of Impact 

NDAD's Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye Gibbens and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.