It is an honor to officially announce our 9th Annual Moonbeam Caregiver Award!
Congratulations to Sheryl Magelssen and her late husband, Paul, of Woodbury, MN!
Sheryl and Paul are the grandparents to Drew, who has CLN3 Batten Disease, and his sister, Lydia, who passed away in August of 2020, from CLN3. According to the nomination, Sheryl and Paul have demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to care and compassion through emotional, physical, and spiritual support of Lydia, Drew, and their entire family. They have endlessly given their time and energy to caring for Lydia and Drew, including routinely driving 5 hours from their hometown to help in any way they could, and eventually relocating their home to just miles away in order to help, hang out and distract whenever needed. Paul was known for his unique bond and special gift of being the “kid whisperer” as he helped to calm his grandchildren when meltdowns occurred. After Lydia and Paul’s passing, through her own grief, Sheryl has continued to remain a steady support to Drew and family, including regularly spending the night to help assist in activities of daily living as well as being an advocate and emotional support to all when “in the thick of it.” They are both truly shining examples of caring and compassion!
Once again, congratulations, Sheryl and Paul, and to ALL of this year’s nominees! We thank you “to the moon and back,” for striving to bring more “Time, Hope and Adventure” to Lydia and Drew and all of the lives you have touched and will continue to touch in the future!
