The fun and fundraising of the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation’s Jam the Gym even returns Saturday at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School.
Tim Orth Memorial Foundation assists children and their families who are facing substantial medical expenses due to a serious accident, illness or other special needs. It does this by raising money through events such as Jam the Gym in Glencoe, but also by creating a support network for the recipients and their families.
As always, this year’s Jam the Gym will feature all-star basketball games with some of the top senior girls and boys high school hoops players from the area. In addition to basketball, the event includes entertainment from local performers and groups, a silent auction, concessions and lots of other ways to support the foundation’s cause. Doors open at 4 p.m., with games beginning at 5:30 p.m.
All proceeds from the event go to help the families of this year’s recipients.
In the past 25 years, the event has benefited 185 children and their families from 32 communities in the McLeod County area. This year the Tim Orth Memorial Foundation adds 12 recipients to its family:
Kenneth Lopez Aguilera, 8, of Hutchinson, the son of Tania Aguilera and Jose Maria Lopez;
Fae Alvarez, 5 months, of Litchfield, the daughter of Courtney and Gio Alvarez;
Sawyer Aro, 2, of Danube, the son of Brittany Fiecke and Kyle Aro;
Piper Dinning, 14, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Mona and John Dinning;
Angel Jones, 13, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Natisha Stately and Cordareo Jones;
Mason Kiecker, 17, of Litchfield, the son of Chanda and Jason Kiecker;
Errin Luxem, 13, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Jessica Guillette;
Cody Robinson, 2, of Hutchinson, the son of Amanda and Myk Robinson;
Hazel Robinson, 2 months, of Hutchinson, the daughter of Amanda and Myk Robinson;
Dominick Tyo, 3, of Hutchinson, the son of Caitlin Tyo;
Brady Wanous, 13, of Cokato, the son of Krystal Wanous; and
Beau Quevi, 7 months, of Stewart, the son of Alex and Cleo Quevi.
The Leader featured several children in the March 27 edition. Following are additional featured youth:
FRESH START FOR ERRIN
Although a shy girl when you first meet her, Errin Luxem, 13, enjoys a variety of hobbies including playing cards, coloring and using her tablet. She also can be found spending time in the kitchen where she takes pleasure in baking and cooking.
It was her family’s recent move to Hutchinson that prompted Jessica Sullivan, Errin’s mom, to apply to the foundation for assistance.
“I still feel there are other things she could use to help her become stronger and more resources,” Jessica said. “We just moved to Hutchinson (in) early 2023. This is a fresh start for me and my girls and I want to make sure she has everything she needs.”
The Hutchinson Middle School student was diagnosed with dysphagia, hearing loss, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and developmental delays.
Along with the financial assistance, Jessica is looking forward to meeting the other families that are part of the Tim Orth community.
“With this experience I have hopes that we will get to build relationships and connections and she will be able to gain more friends and equipment she may need to become stronger and help her with her disability,” Jessica said. “I would like to get her a bike and or a gym membership, so she can gain muscle and confidence. Get her out and try new things.”
ANGELS FOR ANGEL
Angel Jones, a 13-year-old resident of Hutchinson, is the daughter of Natisha Stately and Cordareo Jones. Despite her young age, Angel faces significant challenges, having been diagnosed with developmentally cognitive disability, asthma and numerous allergies. These conditions shape her daily life, requiring careful management and consideration. Yet, Angel’s resilience and spirit shine through as she navigates these obstacles with determination and courage, inspiring those around her with her strength and perseverance.
MASON LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
Mason Kiecker enjoys being outside, especially when it comes to helping in his uncle’s landscaping business. The Litchfield High School senior thinks it’s the kind of job he will pursue after graduation.
“I really enjoy landscaping with my dad,” Mason, 17, said of working alongside his father at Sculptured Earth. “I like the manual labor type of things, being outside doing actual work, not sitting at a computer. I have been helping out for three or four years. I drove a skid loader for the first time when I was 10.”
Now that he’s recovering from ulcerative colitis, which led to colon removal and three follow-up surgeries earlier this year, Kiecker feels like he can think about that future more optimistically.
“It’s been really stressful,” Mason said of the condition, which included a range of intestinal issues, stomach pain and forced him to make multiple trips to the bathroom every day. “Stressful and annoying. I just wanted to be done with it.”
“The last year has been a real struggle,” Jason Kiecker said of his son’s health challenges, which began about four years ago with diagnosis of colitis and continued to worsen.
Finally, in mid-January this year, Mason had surgery to remove his colon at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. That was followed by three more surgeries.
“I thought I was only going to be in the hospital a little bit,” Mason said, but complications and additional surgeries led to a 24-day stay. He had a room with a view, which helped, but it also made him more impatient to get out of the hospital.
Though they didn’t know much about the Orth Foundation prior to getting a call from the school to let them know Mason would be one of the recipients of the foundation’s support, the Kieckers feel fortunate to have the support.
“We feel super blessed,” said Jason Kiecker, who said the costs of his son’s care have been especially challenging since he hasn’t been working due to the seasonal nature of the landscaping business. “As parents, you just kind of shrug your shoulders that you’re not working, and all the gas money (for trips to the hospital) you’re putting in and other costs. It’s super cool to have such a foundation.”
KENNETH FIGHTS ON
Kenneth Lopez Aguilera, 8, is the son of Tania Aguilera and Jose Maria Lopez. Kenneth Aguilera was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma a year ago when he was 7 years old.
Rhabdomysarcoma is a type soft tissue cancer that usually begins in the muscles that are attached to bones that help the body move — such as the arms, legs, head, neck and abdomen. It can be treated and sometimes cured, though the cancer can come back. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare disease that primarily affects children and teenagers. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Aguilera has had 43 chemotherapy treatments since he was diagnosed.
“We have gone to the hospital every Monday,” Aguilera’s father Jose Lopez said. “Every three weeks we have to go to the hospital in Minneapolis (M Fairview Children’s Hospital) for more treatments. That takes up the whole day with driving into the Cities, the treatment and then driving home.
“It is hard emotionally and economically,” Lopez added. “Both my wife and I have to work less, taking him for the treatments. It’s been hard to deal with.”
Lopez explained that after the treatment his son feels sick the whole week. “He vomits, can’t go to the bathroom and can’t eat.”
At other times, Lopez says his son will get cravings. “We have to take him to a restaurant to satisfy them.”
“He is a fighter though.” Lopez said. “He has been strong through the whole process.”
The family appreciates Kenneth being a recipient of the Tim Orth Foundation. The parents will use the money for basics like food, gas and to pay bills, Lopez said.
FAYE CONFRONTS CHALLENGES
Faye Alvarez is the daughter of Courtney and Gio Alvarez of Litchfield.
The 5-month-old has been diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia and a small pituitary gland that is further back in the brain than normal.
