BENEFIT FOR ROTH FAMILY THIS SATURDAY
Proceeds to help with expenses following Loren Roth’s June 19 brain injury
Nearly nine months after an injury on the farm left Loren Roth with a traumatic brain injury, friends and neighbors are hosting a benefit for the Roth family this Saturday, March 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Freeman Community Center.
In addition to a pork loin meal fundraiser, a silent and live auction will help raise funds to assist the family with mounting medical expenses, which insurance is no longer covering.
The accident occurred on June 19 on the Roth farm southeast of Freeman while Loren was loading cattle, when a steer came after him, threw him and he hit his head on the cement. He initially received medical care for a coma and has been in rehabilitation since September. He is currently at Prince of Peace rehabilitation in Sioux Falls.
Joan Andersen, a neighbor who attends St. Bonifice Catholic Chuch with the Roths, said Loren’s wife, Tammy, and others are hopeful he can return home within a month. The house is currently being renovated to accommodate Loren’s needs at no cost thanks to a non-profit group out of Minnesota.
But financial obligations, including physical therapy, persist, and Tammy has since quit her job in response to the injury.
“This is a way for neighbors and family and friends to raise some money for them and defray some of the costs of moving him home and taking care of nursing home bills,” Andersen said of Saturday’s fundraiser, which will include matching funds from Modern Woodmen up to $7,500.
“Caring for Loren will a 24/7 job for Tammy,” Andersen wrote in a letter to local businesses asking for support. “They are facing a loss of income and all the costs associated with his care and rehab.”
The response has already been overwhelming in terms of donations for the benefit.
“There are people out there who don’t even know him and are calling with donations and baskets for the silent action,” said Andersen, who has been working with “lots of friends” in putting together Saturday’s benefit.
Those who would still like to contribute may do so by texting or calling Andersen at 605-660-2801.
