MHFD Says 'Thank You' for Benefit Success

A on Feb. 25 was not only a fundraising success, but a near-capacity community event at the.

Mendota Heights resident Hayley Bester is fighting a parasitic infection in her eye that she said will likely result in a corneal transplant.

The damage to her sight has limited her ability to work, and the extensive medical treatments and a trip to Canada for an unsuccessful experimental procedure have taken their toll on Bester and her husband Roy.

Fire Captain Scott Goldenstein said the organizing committee started with goals of raising $5,000 to $10,000.

Through a spaghetti dinner and silent auction, the event raised about $22,000.

“I couldn’t believe the monster it turned into and how much everybody put into it,” said Bester, who addressed the Mendota Heights City Council last week. 

Goldenstein thanked not only the donors, volunteers and the attendees but also surrounding fire departments that helped cover the city while the event was underway. 

“The fire department, I think everyone involved with it, came away with a really great feeling about what a great community it is that we all live in and they’re able to work with here in the city of Mendota Heights,” said Goldenstein.

Bester told Patch her symptoms, which include pain and light sensitivity, have improved in recent weeks, but the parasites aren’t gone, just dormant.

She still needs medicated eye drops every hour during the day and every two hours at night.

Bester told the council that the best way she can repay the support she has received is to get better so she can continue to serve the community.

 “It’s hard to thank everyone without getting emotional because I know I can’t thank everyone enough," said Bester. "I can’t express truly how it made my husband and I feel. It really amazed us what this community is about.”

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