Terry and Taryn Celebrate Henry Bednarz in Canada

Hi, my name is Kristen Robinson, and I'm raising funds to help Terry Bednarz and her niece Taryn fly to Canada to celebrate the life of Henry Bednarz with his four children. As many of you know, Henry passed away overnight on Sunday, October 2nd, after a battle with ALS.

Our family has been friends with Terry, Taryn and Henry since 2012 when I joined the grace Bible study they held at their house. They welcomed me and others into their home weekly for fellowship, friendship, joy, laughter, and delicious food. Since then, our friendship has grown, and we've become like family.

Henry was a kind man who loved God and his family and always made others feel fully welcomed and accepted. He lit up at the mention of his four adult children and loved Taryn as his own. He had a love for ultramarathons and a passion for healthy eating. His courage and strength sustained him through long runs and later as he fought against the debilitating symptoms of ALS.

Now, with Henry's sudden passing, Terry & Taryn are trying to get to Canada to be with their family for the celebration of life. Unfortunately, last-minute flights are the most costly. So, we are raising funds to help them cover a portion of this expense.

In our search, we found that hardship flights are not offered and the least expensive options we’re finding for airline tickets are between $1000 and $1500 each. That doesn't include food, lodging or a rental car.

I know Terry will do whatever is necessary to be together with everyone for Henry's funeral and celebration of life. But I can't imagine her bearing the financial weight of such a sudden trip, especially while they are grieving.

I've watched Terry walk alongside Henry as he suffered with ALS; a journey filled with many doctors’ appointments and the heartache of watching rapid declines in his health. She took him back to Canada in May to be with his siblings and children. Now, Terry and Taryn will make the trip to Edmonton for the funeral and to say their final goodbyes.

I often feel at a loss about how I can help during these times, so I thought that opening this fundraiser would give others the option to help with the trip expenses.