Angel Fund website gets new wings

A Range-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to Northeastern MN residents battling cancer has strengthened its web presence. 

Angel Fund has launched an updated website at www.angelfundrange.org with greater capabilities and information. Through a partnership with Dedicated Web Services, LLC, the new site offers a simple way to learn more about Angel Fund, to contribute to its mission and to apply for assistance.

“We are thrilled to have a refreshed, modernized site that is more user-friendly and better reflects the ongoing work and impact of Angel Fund,” said Board President Kelly Grinsteinner. “It’s also a great way to celebrate our 10^th year of gifting.”

The all-volunteer, nonprofit offers financial assistance to Northeastern Minnesota residents facing cancer for expenses not covered by medical insurance.

“We are here to support the fighters, celebrate with the survivors and honor those taken by cancer,” said Grinsteinner. “We never give up. Providing assistance is our way of providing hope.” 

The new site aims to give visitors quick info in an easy-to-search format. It provides details about Angel Fund’s mission, origins and board of directors as well as features two new interactive links.

Anyone wanting to make a one-time or recurring monthly donation via debit or credit card can do so securely through the Angel Fund website’s PayPal link (www.angelfundrange.org/donate).

Applications for financial assistance can now be submitted online too. Patients fill out the questions, hit submit and it goes directly to the website dashboard where Angel Fund members can review it (www.angelfundrange.org/apply).

“This is a key feature of the site as we want the application process to be as quick and easy as possible,” said Grinsteinner. “Cancer patients endure so many obstacles and hardships that we purposely kept the process simple and straight-forward.”

For those not comfortable putting personal information online, there is also the option to download a hardcopy of the application and send it via email or to Angel Fund’s post office box. 

The new site is developed and supported by Jeremy Hendrickson of Dedicated Web Services LLC.

“Behind every website I build, there’s a story. I enjoy meeting with clients and talking about their business. I get to see the passion and drive that some have to build their brand and engage with customers,” said Hendrickson. 

“With the Angel Fund I must say that there’s something to be said about a group of volunteers who put in time outside their work and family schedules to contribute and build an organization that can help so many others,” he continued. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a local nonprofit that supports those in need in our community.”

“What’s New” is a feature page on the new site. This will allow Angel Fund members to add important content such as current news, upcoming events and recent donations. Visuals accompaning those entries can be viewed in the homepage photo carousel.

“The website is easily updatable by Angel Fund members not only through a web browser on a computer, but also an app on their phones,” explained Hendrickson. “The ease of editing makes updating the website less daunting, which helps keep content fresh.”  

Dedicated Web Services (dwswebsites.com) is a small web development and marketing agency located in Hibbing. Hendrickson has done work for clients and contract work with other agencies in the United States and Canada.

“Delivering a good product that is easy to use, navigate, generates engagement and is easy for my clients to manage is my goal,” he added. “Angel Fund’s new website does just that.”

Since inception in 2011, Angel Fund has “gifted” more than 1,400 times, providing more than $485,000 in support of Northeastern Minnesota cancer patients. For more information beyond the website, find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/angelfundrange), email us at info@angefundrange.org or call 218.362.6668.

Angel Fund is sadden by the recent death of Kinney resident Deb Bachel, a cancer fighter and longtime cancer advocate.

Also known as “Grandma B,” she was known for organizing benefits, especially those that assisted cancer patients.

“I might not have helped them with their chemo,” she told the MDN in 2019. “…But I helped them mentally and with financial woes.”

Bachel became known to Angel Fund on behalf of the Sand Lake Shuffle, an annual fundraiser for cancer patients held at Voyageur’s Sand Lake Resort at the Britt ByPass.

In May 2017, she presented Angel Fund with a $4,000 check to provide financial assistance to Northeastern Minnesota residents battling cancer (see photo; Deb is third from the left).

Bachel had been involved with the Sand Lake Shuffle since her daughter, Kelly, battled cancer from age 2 to 18. Kelly eventually succumbed to the disease in 1999.

In 2015, Bachel herself was diagnosed with uterine cancer, received treatment and went into remission.

Her other daughter’s husband, Bobby Kintner, died at age 54 in October 2017 after a grueling 24-month fight with colon cancer.

In 2018, Bachel was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial cancer and once again underwent treatment.

Angel Fund had the honor of “gifting” both Bachel and Kintner.

For us, Bachel’s legacy will be her generosity and association with the Sand Lake Shuffle – the work she was most proud of as well.

“That was always my baby,” she said of the Shuffle.

Our sympathies to her family, and may she rest in peace.

National Cancer Survivor’s Day has been set aside to “demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.” Observed annually on the first Sunday in June, TODAY is a way for survivors to share their journey and offer hope and inspiration to those who have been newly diagnosed.

Cancer survivors know the emotions and challenges associated with receiving a cancer diagnosis. They also know where the resources and support are for newly diagnosed cancer patients. The day encourages a celebration for survivors and their families. The day also offers a wellspring of support and outreach to cancer patients everywhere.