Please Support Chris Garner

Many UMD hockey fans have probably heard about this by now, but I want to pass it along for those who have not.

Chris Garner is the Bulldogs' equipment manager. He works tirelessly to make sure the team is properly outfitted, and he spends game days preparing everything so it's ready when the guys arrive at the rink.

Oh, and did I mention that the above information grossly oversimplifies his job?

Garner is battling a very serious disease called MDS (Myelodysplatic Syndrome). It was once known as pre-leukemia.

He underwent chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and had a bone-marrow transplant last week. As he recovers, he will be missing work (obviously), and this treatment is hardly cheap.

As a result, fundraising efforts are underway to help Garner out. This will include an online auction.

If you have Facebook, and you haven't already, please take a moment to visit a page set up to provide information on how you can help. You can also send a message to Chris if you'd like.

If you are one of the 388 people around the world who doesn't yet have Facebook, here is the information:

Donated items and cash can be sent to:
St. Cloud State University
Attention: Jeremiah Minkel
720 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

Please make checks out to "C/O Chris Garner"

Cards and letters of support can be mailed to:
Chris Garner
1765 10th Ave. SE
Rochester, MN 55904

We hope to get more good news about Chris' health, and he continues to be in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers.