Francine McClendon
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - 4 to 8 p.m.
Half Brothers Brewery, Grand Forks
Francine's benefit (Feb. 8, 2023)
Image of Francine McClendon Benefit poster near NDAD's Grand Forks entrance
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The NDAD fund for Francine remains OPEN and is accepting donations.
EVENT: Francine McClendon Benefit (HELD Feb. 8)
LOCATION: Half Brothers Brewery, Grand Forks
The lifetime of a power wheelchair is about 6 years. It has been 10 years for Francine McClendon.
The longtime Grand Forks resident has dealt with severe rheumatoid arthritis since age 7 and now deals with other health conditions as aging takes its toll.
Having relied on power mobility for about a quarter century, Francine needs a new chair, one with specialized power functions that will assist her with activities of daily living, provide pain relief, and improve the quality of her life.
The chair's power elevate function will allow Francine to reach counters and shelves plus provide safety in transfers from her chair. The power tilt feature will help keep pressure off her spine and neck and help Francine keep her neck and head supported in a better position, which will provide much needed pain relief.
Still, insurance will not cover the wheelchair she requires.
Recognizing these inequities and wanting to help Francine obtain the chair she needs, Dr. Jane Loscheider, an occupational therapist specializing in assistive technology, has partnered with charitable nonprofit NDAD to raise the necessary funds.
Francine is a graduate of UND who studied English, Spanish, and social work. A writer, she recently published her first book, a book of poetry. She is working on another book about her journey with Rudy, her beloved assistance dog who passed away in 2021.
Learn more about Francine in
a recent interview posted on Facebook.
More about the fundraiser
Francine McClendon, being interviewed in early January 2023 by Grand Forks occupational therapist Jane Loscheider, who specializes in wheelchair seating and mobility.
A percentage of sales during the Feb. 8 at Half Brothers will go towards the purchase of her new wheelchair. All funds raised will be used for Francine's new power chair.
You also can donate to help Francine at NDAD.org by using the Donate Now button at the top of this page and use your credit card or PayPal account to make a contribution.
Or, mail donations to NDAD, c/o Francine McClendon Fundraiser, 2660 S. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Please make checks payable to NDAD and add the words Francine McClendon to the memo line.
Other recognized donors for this benefit: Half Brothers Brewery, Grand Forks Subaru Kia, Advanced Eye Care, Bank Forward, Modern Auto Body, Greg Nelson.