Tonya Auck is a mental health nurse practitioner who has supported and guided others for many years, especially during her 14 years at Sanford Health. As many of you know, Tonya was taking a leap of faith to build her practice and had recently resigned from Sanford Health. Tonya has been unable to work due to a recent stroke that occurred right as she was transitioning to self-employment. Tonya is a single mom and primary caregiver to her three children. Individuals have asked for a way to offer financial support to allow Tonya to focus on her recovery and fulfill the dreams imprinted on her heart by God.
To donate: - Venmo: @Tonya-Auck - Cash or check: Payable to Tonya Auck and dropped off or mailed to Capital Community Credit Union, 204 W Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 **due to fees, not using a site such as GoFundMe
Any donation amount is graciously appreciated. Your prayers, thoughts, and uplifting support are very important to her recovery. Others have offered her children rides to school and activities, stopped by to pray with her, sent flowers, or dropped off a gift. Upon return home to Bismarck, she will continue to benefit from your love and support. Each person offers support in their own way and Tonya and her family thank you for your generosity, kindness, and spiritual love to guide her on this healing journey. God bless each of you!
Tonya's story:
Tonya was traveling for the holiday and hockey. On January 1, 2023, she awoke filled with faith and excitement for the New Year to conclude her employment at Sanford Health and build her practice in the coming weeks. A few hours after awakening, however, she experienced a headache. She rubbed her eye which led to sharp pain followed by her left side going numb and she couldn't walk or use her left arm. She took an ambulance to the Grand Forks hospital. After many CT scans, MRIs, and countless other tests, Tonya was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke. They believe it was caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) which is a small hole between the heart’s upper two chambers. Everyone is born with a PFO, and it usually closes soon after birth. But PFOs don’t always close as they’re supposed to. There are no known risk factors for PFO, and the cause is not known. It was heartbreaking to be fit and active and suddenly unable to get out of bed or use her left arm or leg. Once she was out of ICU and able to begin physical therapy her determined spirit began to refuel. Tonya has been released to Sanford Health Rehab in Fargo to prepare her to return home. She continues therapy to strengthen her left leg to ideally walk unassisted, to regain movement and strength in her right arm/hand, and improve her speech.
Tonya is a very compassionate, giving, determined, and strong person. In addition to being a dedicated mother and primary caregiver for her three children, she is an active member of the community and supports causes close to her heart. When she is not volunteering at Evangel, participating in the women's bible study to strengthen her faith, you will find her on the recreational volleyball court as she plays in a few leagues, or regularly attending Regymen. Every year she gathers a team for the Sanford Great American Bike Race, supports Brave the Shave, participates in Applefest cancer walk, and last year she was one of the first recipients of Sanford's Clinician Well-being Champion award as a testimony to her service to others.
Last week was an amazing week. I crushed the neuropsych testing getting a higher than average score. I got to drive again cleared by neurology without paying $600. I had my ribbon-cutting for my business and got some phone calls for potential patients. The Lord is good.
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