by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Madelynn Reitz loves the great outdoors. But she was cooped up inside for months following a bone-marrow transplant and chemo treatment for Chron’s disease
Her desire to get back outdoors got a boost from Make A Wish Minnesota and Mies Outland.
The Sartell 18-year-old’s wish for an ATV was granted, and April 17, she picked up her new Polaris ATV along with a helmet, gloves and other accessories.
Reitz’s parents, Jen and Rich, and friends joined her when she was presented with the new green machine. Her brother Gavin, home from the Air Force Academy, donated bone marrow for her transplant and joined the celebration at Mies on Hwy. 10 southeast of St. Cloud.
During treatment, the family stayed with relatives in the Twin Cities so she could be close to the hospital. Just about the time Reitz’s isolation period ended, Minnesotans were ordered to stay-at-home to limit the Covid-19 spread.
After trying out her new ATV, Reitz said she and her boyfriend would head north for some outdoor time in the woods.
Madelynn Reitz tries on a new helmet.
Madelynn Reitz takes a seat on her new ATV.
Madelynn Reitz climbs aboard her new ATV at Mies Outland.
