BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — In the heart of Brooklyn Park, Teri Hansen cherishes every moment of being part of a village, a community she loves dearly.
"I've got three kids. And of course a husband. I married my high school sweetheart. It does happen and we're still married," Hansen said with a chuckle.
Hansen, heavily involved in her children's school and sports activities, pours her heart into every role she takes on.
"[I have] three kids. [I am] heavily involved with the school because my children and my oldest sons are sports. So they attend Park Center, Senior High," she said. "I'm on all kinds of boosters with them. Just trying to make things better, you know."
Life took an unexpected turn when a routine checkup revealed a golf ball-sized tumor, leading to a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
"They thought they had it with surgery and I went in for my six-month check-in and it went to my lungs. Now I was considered stage 4 and 13% chance of survival," Hansen revealed.
Facing uncertainty, Hansen found herself grappling with how to provide for her family amidst her health struggles.
"So then, you know, I started thinking, 'OK, how am I going to feed my family?' Because, you know, my husband's working, and I can't, I can't work, I tried. I couldn't I couldn't stay working. It was too hard," she shared.
It was then that Hansen's chemo nurses mentioned The Salvation Army's food assistance program.
Hansen recalled being hesitant to accept help.
" I thought, 'No, I do not need to do that.' You know, we, you know, we're a middle-class family and, you know, pride can get in the way,” Hansen said.
Despite her initial hesitations, Hansen summoned the courage to seek help.
"To just get in the car and drive over there. I was like, you know, who's going to see me? What are they going to think? Are they going to judge?" she expressed.
Upon arriving, Hansen was greeted with warmth and understanding, erasing any fears of judgment.
"I got in my car and I drove over there. And you just pull in and you're in line and the best lady greets you," she said with gratitude.
Reflecting on the support she received, Hansen realized the power of giving and the impact it had on her family.
"And I got home. And then I looked at what they gave me and I was like, holy cow like this," Hansen said, overwhelmed by the generosity.
Teri's journey exemplifies the profound impact communities can have on individuals during their most challenging times. As she continues her battle with cancer, Hansen's story serves as a reminder that in the villages we cherish, love manifests itself in myriad forms.
"Thank you for not judging. Thank you for being here," Hansen expressed her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you for smiling and just... making me feel normal."
KARE 11’s Food Fight kicked off on Feb. 29. The popular community fundraiser is combatting food insecurity by raising resources and funds that will benefit the Salvation Army's food shelves across the state.
To help make a difference, the community is invited to join a KARE 11 Food Fight team and help each team raise resources and donations.
New this year, financial donations will be accepted for an extended four-week period, starting Thursday, Feb. 29 through Thursday, March 28.
Here are links to our team pages:
For those who prefer to donate non-perishable food, KARE 11 will host a one-day food donation collection at our studios located at 8811 Olson Memorial Highway in Golden Valley on Thursday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Donors will receive a free hot chocolate to say thanks!
Tune in for KARE 11 News at 10 on March 28 to see which team wins!