Help Clayton's Family Navigate Medical Crisis

Clayton Howatt is a pillar of his Midway community- indeed the city of St. Paul. He is a supportive husband, loving father, and truly dedicated son, brother, friend, and neighbor.

He takes his many roles seriously and gives his all- and then some- to each. When his daughters were younger he founded a hockey team for them, then focused on finding teammates who might not otherwise be exposed to the sport. As they grew, so did his commitment to creating an inclusive hockey environment for all girls, especially those from underserved groups. Today, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Starwahls and the Minnesota Monarchs are thriving programs for girls across the metro area.

As PTO President of the underfunded neighborhood school his daughters attended, Clayton worked with teachers, parents, and students to shine a light on the beauty that was Galtier Elementary- even as it was on the edge of being permanently closed. This experience grew his heart for educational equity and led him to run for school board.

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Clayton collapsed with a massive heart attack. Thankfully, the medical response was immediate. He is currently being treated on ECMO at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, with machine number 32 doing the work his heart and lungs are currently unable to. While it is early in his recovery journey, the writing is already on the wall in terms of financial impact for these two small business owners and their family of four.

Clayton is a general contractor and small business owner who founded Verus Builders, LLC and Kristin owns and singlehandedly runs Sweet Fruci’s Frozen Delights- a food truck used to support her family and community, including the handful of teens she employs and adores.

Clayton and Kristin embody humility and I am exceedingly grateful to have their approval to share their story and allow me to ask for financial support on their behalf. Clayton will be out of work and require care for months- the same months Kristin’s icecream business is at its busiest. Kristin will no doubt work more than any of us would like to see, but even that is unlikely to be enough to cover their typical bills, let alone these additional medical expenses.

Kristin is already overwhelmed with the immediate outpouring of support shown to her family and has insisted that this fundraiser be accompanied by a disclaimer to only give if you can. No pressure. As for me, I want you all to know that she and Clayton have already paid it forward more than most- and if the funds raised exceed their needs, those funds will go right back into continuing to do so. That’s just how they roll.

Wherever you are, you can help by contributing financially to this fundraiser. If you’re local, you can also help by following Sweet Fruci’s Frozen Delights on social media and filling up on icecream this summer. You can offer words of support and love on Clayton’s Caring Bridge site as well.

Thank you for caring and for donating to this deserving family.