Nate, Stephanie, Aranda, Wendy and Neil
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By Theresa Nysetvold The annual Hadley Lions Chili Cook-Off will be Saturday, January 7th beginning at 5pm at the Hadley Area Community Center. Each year the Lions host a chili competition, inviting area cooks to bring their best recipe for chili in hopes of bragging rights and the opportunity to raise funds for a local family. For a free will donation, you are given samples of all the delicious chili, a grilled cheese sandwich prepared by the Lions Club and water, juice or coffee. Rick Like said, “It’s a People’s Choice award - there are no judges. Just vote for your favorite chili and the chef with the most votes wins.” It’s a fun event for cooks and tasters alike, but the most gratifying feeling is the opportunity to support a family in need. This year’s recipient is Neil Forgberg, who underwent emergency heart surgery this past October.
On October 13th, Neil experienced symptoms of a heart attack and drove himself to the emergency room in Slayton. After evaluation, Neil was transported to Sanford in Sioux Falls where he had emergency open heart surgery the next day. On his CaringBridge site, his daughters Aranda and Stephanie describe five vessels that needed repair, and in surgery they were able to create three bypasses. On October 16th Neil’s ventilator was removed and on October 19th, after several days of fear and relief, he was discharged to their home. Neil said, “I felt better, but when other people asked if I felt a lot better, I really didn’t. There was still some pressure in my chest.” On October 28th, Neil wasn’t feeling well at all, and his wife Wendy brought him back to the emergency room in Slayton. After consultation with the cardiac team at Sanford, Neil was transported to Sioux Falls for more tests and observation. Wendy said, “He stayed for three days, but the tests didn’t show anything very concerning.” Thanksgiving weekend was another trip to the emergency room with more symptoms, but again, nothing of great concern was evident. On December 8th, the cardiologist inserted a stent into one of the two arteries that hadn’t been bypassed, and that has given Neil the relief he has been waiting for. “I finally feel like they have treated everything,” he stated.
Wendy remarked that their family has been very thankful for the excellent care they have received at the Murray County Medical Center and at Sanford. “Everyone in Slayton was just amazing,” she said. “They were in constant contact with the cardiology team and it was amazing care.” Neil is a manager for Lakes Gas in Slayton and Adrian and returned to work fairly quickly. Wendy commented, “Neil has great crews in both locations so he was able to do a lot of work from home.” Neil’s health is slowly improving and he and Wendy are encouraging others to listen to their bodies and don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment for any symptoms. Of course the entire family is humbled by the generosity of the Hadley Lions and everyone who supports the Chili Cook-Off on January 7th. It is always a great event to gather together, eat good food and show some love to a deserving family.
