Red Wing High School raises money for student’s medical bills

Last month, Red Wing High School student Tomas collapsed while running laps in the gym. He had suffered cardiac arrest and an automated external defibrillator was used to shock his heart before paramedics took him to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Tomas, whose family asked that his last name not be used, survived and is at home recovering.

“Hopefully (he) will be able to return to school in the not too distant future,” high school Principal Beth Borgen said in an email. “We are very happy with that news.”

But in his absence, the school has planned a number of fundraisers to help him and his family with medical bills. Part of the money raised will be donated to the American Heart Association “since it’s Heart Health Month,” school employee Julie Shreifels said.

T-shirts with “Team Tomas” and a heart printed on the front are being sold at the school, ball games, Red Wing Fairview Medical Center and at Hispanic Outreach. The shirts have the AED logo on the back.

“They speak to Tomas … to Heart Health Month, and to the AED that saved his life,” Borgen said.

Shirts are available in sizes small to extra-large and cost $10 to $12.

On Friday, students could buy “walking tacos,” mini bags of chips served with taco meat and all the fixings. The chips, meat, toppings and supplies were donated by local businesses, including EconoFoods, Koplins, Frito-Lay and Fiesta Mexicana. Shreifels said about $900 was made.

Tomas was on hand for Friday’s fundraiser. It was the first time he had been back at school since he collapsed.

“The students were happy to see him. They were very supportive,” Shreifels said. “He seemed happy to see his friends, to see people and staff.”

The community will get a chance to buy tacos and donate during parent/teacher conferences Tuesday evening. Local businesses, including Meatheads and Berghammer Tire and Auto, have donated items for an auction to raise more money.

The event will last from 4-7 p.m.

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