Decorah girls fund-raise for diabetes education

(Left to right): Winneshiek Medical Center registered nurse Kim Hammel with fundraisers Marissa Foels and Morgan Moen

Decorah students Marissa Foels and Morgan Moen have teamed up to help raise funds for diabetes education programs at Winneshiek Medical Center

17-year old Marissa Foels knew she wanted to do something for kids with diabetes.  "I was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this year," she says, "and I've realized how important it is to have a strong support system and to learn about the disease with others just like you."  Marissa, whose family owns The Country Garden Flowers and Gifts in Decorah, decided to fund-raise for kids with diabetes by selling flowers.  She partnered with Morgan Moen, who is 11-years old and also has type 1 diabetes, to create "Blooms for Diabetes Education" to raise funds for diabetes education programs at Winneshiek Medical Center.

To participate in Blooms for Diabetes Education you can purchase a $20 punch card from The County Garden Flowers and Gifts or the Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation Office by December 31. Then, beginning in January 2017, patrons can bring their punch card into the downtown Decorah store (113 W. Water Street) to receive a few fresh flower stems each month.

Specific program guidelines are printed on the back of each punch card.  $10 from each punch card purchase will be dedicated to the WMC Foundation for camperships for youth to Camp Hertko Hollow.