Reporter at KARE TV. Husband to Sheri. Father to Sam & Matt. Grandpa to Tess. Friend to all who are kind.
#land10kstories
Story tips: bhuppert
@kare11
.com
On Good Friday, 6.3 million stem cells are being transplanted into my body. Their mission: To repopulate my scorched-by-chemo bone marrow. To crowd out cancer cells poised to rear their ugly heads. And most importantly, to extend my life as long as possible. Get to work fellas.
Two weeks ago, I had my bone marrow transplant. Healing is not a straight line. Some days, I’m unsure I will make it another hour. Others, give me hope I can get my life back. I’m not back on the road yet, but as one of my U of M PAs told me, “you’re climbing out of the ditch.”
It’s time. After 7 mos of chemo & endless tests, I am now tethered to a machine collecting my stem cells for a bone marrow transplant next wk. Huge thanks to
@MHealthFairview
, my amazing wife & anyone who has said a prayer on my behalf. Cancer sucks but I see only good around me
Today marks 4 weeks since my bone marrow transplant. Not gonna lie. The first 3 weeks were brutal. But a week ago, it turned. Eating again. Walking with Sheri. My doc says I can go back to the newsroom on day 100, but I hope to start work from home sooner. Each day is precious!
A WI family out fishing encountered a young bear with a plastic jug stuck on its head. Brian & Tricia Hurt & son Brady sprung into action. "When I was right over top of it and pulling on it," Brian said, "you could hear the bear gasping for air." KARE
@10pm
. Video: Tricia Hurt
14-year-old Susan Bergeman has been pushing her older brother Jeffrey during her cross county races this season. "He's excluded from a lot of things," the Chippewa Falls 9th grader says. "This is something we can do together." KARE tonite
@10p
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Bill Cox - a Minnesota bartender - wore a T-shirt asking for a kidney. Becca Bundy saw the shirt and recognized the volunteer firefighter who had come to her rescue 2 years earlier. She just gave Bill a kidney. Next on KARE
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One year ago, life changed for us when I was diagnosed w/ Multiple Myeloma. 12 months later, we’ve taken the opportunity to reward ourselves for getting through a tough year. Challenges lie ahead, but heaven can wait. We are determined to spend each day finding paradise on earth.
I removed my mask so you could see the smile of a man grateful to be back doing what he loves. After a 3 month med leave for my bone marrow transplant, I'm back at work, w/ precautions. My first
#land10kstories
piece will air on KARE 10p next Monday. Fittingly, Independence Day!
The wheelchair 2-year-old Cillian Jackson needed costs more than $20,000. His parents couldn't afford it. Insurance wouldn't pay for it. So, the robotics team at Farmington High School built him one:
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Five years ago she held up a sign at a Garth Brooks concert: “CHEMO THIS MORNING. GARTH TONIGHT. ENJOYING THE DANCE.” She stopped the show. “You have everybody's strength in here," Garth promised her. Tonite Teresa Shaw is cancer free - and back w/ Garth:
A high school senior from Somerset, WI wants to be part of the solution. Justin Rivard has invented a device to jam a classroom door, keeping out intruders. Somerset schools have placed them in every classroom. Grantsburg has ordered them too. More after the Olympics on KARE
Just saw
@HarrySmith
saying his goodbyes on NBC Nightly News. Not just a storied journalist, not just a talented writer & storyteller, but one of the kindest, most thoughtful, people ever to toil in this profession. He'll be teaching at Central College in Iowa. Lucky students.
At least they have a sense of humor! Sign in front of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store after a car left Highway 169 and crashed through a wall into the store.
We surprised Boyd with a pop-up birthday celebration outside his home today for his 60th birthday!! Help us wish him a happy birthday in the comments below!!
Two-year-old Cillian Jackson needed a power wheelchair his parents couldn't afford. So, the Farmington High School Robotics Team built one for him. Next on KARE
#land10kstories
Five years ago she held up a sign at a Garth Brooks concert: “Chemo this morning. Garth tonight. Enjoying the dance." She stopped the show. “You have everybody's strength in here," Garth promised her. Teresa Shaw is now cancer free - and back to see Garth:
A MN kindergarten teacher knitted every child in her class a hat, based on their designs. Albany's Jody Abraham didn't tell her kids why she wanted to them to draw a hat. Six weeks later, she surprised them with her - and their - handiwork. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
Congratulations to Mickey Nelson! The 100-yr-old WWII vet from Clarks Grove, MN just walked his 100th mile, meeting a goal he set in May. Mickey had hoped to raise $5000 for the Salvation Army. Instead, he topped $100,000 from donors his walk inspired. KARE
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12-year-old Jonathan Werner sold $56,000 in Boy Scout popcorn. Then, he took his share of the proceeds and bought $11,300 worth of toys for every foster kid in 4 counties. "I just want to make kids happy for Christmas." Next on KARE
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After so much COVID separation, finally a reunion. 84-yr-old Jerry Lindell was rehabbing when his nursing home was locked down. He just surprised his wife Beverley, walking in the house on her 84th birthday. "We hugged each other & I cried & cried," Beverley said. KARE tonite
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Loons & ducks aren't supposed to get along. But apparently no one told this loon pair that's adopted a duckling that got separated from its mom. They've already taught the baby duck to eat fish and dive like a loon:
#land10kstories
25 years ago today, I picked up a KARE 11 microphone for the first time. What I lacked in confidence I appear to have over-compensated in hair. Thx to
@TomLindner
for seeing some bit of promise. Thx to the news directors that followed for keeping me around. Onto the next story.
A flag erected minutes ago near a Blackhawk helicopter crash that killed three members of the MN National Guard. The Krippner family, which owns the land where the chopper went down, put up the flag to show their respect. They say a permanent flagpole will be erected later.
A school custodian became aware of a shortage of substitute teachers at his middle school. Mike Peterson took night classes and earned his degree. Now, he's a Plymouth Middle School sub. "They needed my help," Mike says. "It's my family." KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
For the first time since Sept, I was able to skip chemo this week. In 3 weeks, I will start the bone marrow transplant process. I'm grateful to the M Health nurses who have provided such compassionate care. Here's a link to an update
@rshaver11
prepared:
Charlie Johnson visits his 88-yr-old dad at a MN assisted living home every day - no exceptions for coronavirus restrictions. This photo taken yesterday has already been shared more than 600,000 times. We'll introduce you to Charlie and his dad tonight at 10 on KARE.
Special thanks to my friend & former KARE co-worker
@joefryer
& his producer
@angeladallman
for turning this story last night for
@NBCNightlyNews
. When I heard Joe was assigned the story, any concern I might have had, immediately eased. No one better.
Every week hair stylist Katie Steller leaves her Mpls salon to cut the hair of people she sees along the street who are homeless. Katie - who carries a salon chair in the trunk of her SUV - believes people should use their talents to help others. Next on KARE
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I owe you. As soon as it warms up, I’m taking you to that car wash you love. The touchless one. I’m paying extra for the clear coat protectant, even though I know it’s probably a waste of money. Thank you for getting me home.
Father of Olympic hopeful Suni Lee vows to see his daughter compete on the world stage, despite the recent accident that's left him paralyzed. "I will crawl to Tokyo," a determined John Lee says:
#land10kstories
While his daddy
@CMNelsonPhoto
was busy at work being my uber-talented photographer, 2-year-old Conway Nelson found a playmate on the other side of the fence.
At age 14, Willow Larson has built a successful business designing coffee cups celebrating small towns. The Fertile, MN teen is in 3 dozen stores in MN & ND with a waiting list of towns wanting to be featured. And she's yet to start 9th grade! KARE tonight at 10
#land10kstories
The first amendment protects us all. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. On the grounds of the state capitol, they were exercising theirs, we were exercising ours.
A Lakeville, MN mom has been busy during the bitter cold past few days. Cake pans, food coloring and warm clotures served Jessica Montenegro well as she completed a front yard igloo with her kids. KARE
@5pm
Two-year-old Cillian Jackson needed a power wheelchair. His parents turned to an unlikely source. Teenagers. Thanks to the robotics team at Farmington High School, Cillian now has his ride. We'll feature these wonderful kids tonight at 10 on KARE
#land10kstories
The robotics team at Farmington H.S. has now built 7 wheelchairs for children with disabilities. Four years ago - after the team finished its first - we featured the students in a
@land10kstories
segment. Turns out they were just getting started:
A restaurant owner doing what it takes. Greg James of Waconia’s Iron Tap is determined to keep his staff employed. So, he’s been drumming up curbside biz in costumes he switches up each day - and it’s working. “We’re doing what we have to do.” KARE tonight at 10pm
A Woodbury girl has raised $2000 to buy clear masks for healthcare workers who deal w/ hearing impaired kids (like her) who read lips. 11-yr-old Lainey Brod made & sold bracelets like the one in her hand. Next, she hopes to do same for schools. Mask bonus: that smile! KARE at 5pm
The owner of a Willmar, MN vacuum cleaner store has designed a mask made from vacuum cleaner bags. 40 plus volunteers are cutting & sewing w/ several nursing homes already calling to use them as back-ups should they run out of medical masks. KARE tonite
@10p
By age 9, he'd completed the high school curriculum. At 10, he's about to complete his 2nd year of college. "I want to know the deepest secrets of the universe," he says. Yet, the 10-yr-old from St. Louis Park, MN is as sweet & kind as he is smart. KARE tonite
@10
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Gabby Gingras will get her teeth after outpouring of support. GoFundMe drives raise $45k. Delta Dental will donate up to $100k, even though it isn’t Gabby’s insurance company. Aetna had denied coverage. Surgery scheduled for July. More tonite at 10 on KARE.
Adrienne Broaddus has announced her post-KARE destination: CNN, based in Chicago. Adrienne’s heart & humor, her passion & perspective will be missed in our newsroom. But CNN will be better for bringing her on board. Congratulations to my friend
@abroaddus
!
I've been blessed to have cancer warrior
@rshaver11
chronicling my journey the past 8 months. I hope this is Randy's last report. That'll mean my cancer has remained in remission. Thanks Randy! And thanks to all who've kept me in thoughts & prayers:
3-year-old Mabel Franks had her last chemo treatment today after a 2-year battle with Leukemia. That's Mabel and her dad about the time the Prior Lake fire trucks showed up at her house to help Mabel celebrate with her own parade. KARE
@10pm
Neighbors on Palace Ave in St. Paul have started nightly calisthenics - 10 feet apart in chalked circles. "We're not created to be in isolation," one neighbor said. "So we're doing community as best as we can." KARE tonite
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A 12-yr-old MN boy just bought 600 Christmas presents for kids he doesn't know. Jonathan Werner spent $11,300 on the gifts, his share of the $56.000 in Boy Scout popcorn he sold. The gifts will go to every foster child in four MN counties
#land10kstories
My colleague
@JulieNelsonKARE
speaks for many watching this: “Absolute silence on the part of the governor and the mayor and the police chief as to what is the plan.” 5th precinct HQ and the surrounding area under siege, looting, fires - no police or Nat. Guard presence.
A neighborhood memorial has grown in Plymouth in honor of a WWII vet laid to rest today. Harvey Djerf used to sit and rest during walks on chairs his neighbors put out for him. Now, more than a dozen memorial chairs have popped up in his honor. KARE tonite
@10
#land10kstories
A young hospital patient has become pals w/ the janitor who cleaned his room. The pair bonded over popcorn during Cooper's many stays at U of M Masonic Children's. Now the 4-yr-old wants to be just like Gregory - who Cooper calls his best friend. KARE tonite
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A little French boy salutes WWII veteran Jim Clermont of Garfield, MInnesota. At 94, Jim returned to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It’s our honor to share his story tonight at 10 on KARE.
#land10kstories
Every other Thursday I report to M Health Fairview Clinics & Surgery Center at the U of M for chemo. It’s a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. Inside and out.
It took an entire career, but
@PatKessler
finally appears on KARE 11. There is no one in Twin Cities TV I respect more. Class act from day one till retirement. Congrats Pat!
I just love this dog. Cassie is a sweet yellow Lab from Sartell. Wherever Cassie goes, she carries a stick. Every place, every time – for all eleven years of her life. Tonite at 10 KARE
#land10kstories
When he built a backyard pool for the neighborhood kids at age 94, who could have imaged how much fun Keith Davison would still be having at 100. Or the love his Morris, MN neighbors just showed him. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
A 7th grader just bought $11,300 in toys for kids he doesn't know. Jonathan Werner is giving Xmas gifts to every foster kid in 4 MN counties & part of a 5th. Jonathan bought the toys with his share of the $ after selling $56k of Boy Scout popcorn. KARE tonite
@10
#land10kstories
An MN man just attended his 1500th high school graduation party. Anoka students love "Superfan" Jeff Nelson - who never misses their games & activities. In turn, they invite him to their grad parties. Jeff's record: 29 grad parties in a single day. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
Our friend
@BoydHuppert
has an update on his progress fighting multiple myeloma, as he reaches another important milestone in his treatment journey; see his conversation with
@rshaver11
, tonight at 10 p.m. on KARE 11.
Well timed Tweet
@MHealthFairview
. I’m in the house with a shiny new chest port and some of your finest chemo on the way. Thank you to your wonderful staff that continues to give me outstanding compassionate care. The next phase of my treatment is officially underway!
Acclaimed
@Kare11
reporter
@BoydHuppert
has always celebrated the spirit and resilience of Minnesotans. Now, he’s relying on those same qualities during his battle with
#cancer
. “It’s only the beginning,” Boyd said. Read more. ➡️
Thank you, Randy! I had a blast. So great to see everyone - and be seen again! You and Roseann continue to be a huge source of support. Thank you for all you do for the cancer community!
He just turned two. She's about to turn 100. Yet, Benjamin & Mary have struck up an unlikely friendship over a backyard fence. "His first best friend," Benjamin's mother says. KARE tonight at 10pm.
#land10kstories
A parade of tractors & trucks snakes past the family of 9-yr-old Carter Nicolai. The Randolph, MN boy died last night in an ATV rollover. Carter loved trucks & tractors - especially John Deere’s. His JD chair sat empty in the driveway. “He would have loved this.” More on KARE
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Loons and ducks are natural rivals. Yet, on a WI lake a loon pair has adopted a duckling separated from its mom. "This is their child," the photographer who's been documenting the blended family says. "And they’re doing everything they can to protect it." KARE
@10p
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A MN mom recently exchanged hugs w/ the trooper who arrested her 10 yrs ago for drunk driving. Each year, Amy Martin meets with Kristie Sue Hathaway to mark the anniversary of the arrest & another year of her sobriety. "She saved my life," Amy says. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
Four sisters on the
#1
ranked New London-Spicer girls basketball team are an example of good coming around. In the 1980s, their dad was taken in as a foster son by the man who now coaches their undefeated team:
#land10kstories
88-year-old Darwin Bonn lit all 72 balconies at his senior apartment building in honor of his late wife Rosie. She always pestered him to put up the Christmas lights on their home, while he dragged his feet. "See babe," he says. "It's done." KARE
@10pm
#land10kstories
14-yr-old Isaiah Tuckett just took his family of 7 to Disney World - airfare, hotel and admissions - with the money he made selling his cupcakes. Money was short for his parents, so Isaiah took it upon himself to make the trip happen for his family. Next on KARE
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When Paul Schulz - a southern Minnesota farmer - built for his community a hockey arena in his farm shed, he couldn't have known he'd get just one season to enjoy it. But 13 years later - thanks to family and friends - Paul's dream lives on. Tonite
@10
KARE
#land10kstories
5 years after helping save the life of 6-week-old baby, a MN state trooper has escorted her to kindergarten. Lt. Paul Stricker happened to be driving by when Elise Lonsbury stopped breathing along I-394. "It's was a blessing," the trooper said. KARE tonite at 10
#land10kstories
Students and teachers at a school in Lakeville had a mystery on their hands. Beautiful drawings started showing up overnight on their whiteboards. Mystery solved: the artist, was their janitor. KARE tonight
@10
#land10kstories
Minnesota cheers to college student Dylan Dierking who's launched a successful business delivering restaurant meals to boats - via jet ski. "Foodski" started on White Bear Lake and is now set to expand. KARE tonight at 10pm.
#land10kstories
I'm back. I've spent the past few minutes reading tweets I wasn't aware were sent on my behalf after I was locked out of Twitter. To the scores of people who made my case, thank you! I will do my best to continue using this platform as a means of shining light on good people. ❤️
A Minnesota mom is upping the ante on sidewalk chalk during stay at home. "Just give me chalk and I'll be happy," Jessica Montenegro says. Next on KARE
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Loons & ducks are rivals. Yet this loon pair is raising a duckling that got separated from its mom. “It’s mindboggling,” says loon researcher Walter Piper. The loons' own chick was killed before they adopted the lost duckling. Next on KARE
#land10kstories
Photo: Linda Grenzer
People drive out of their way to stop at Art Mason's drive thru window at the Wayzata McDonald's. Two months shy of his 89th birthday, Art keeps his customers smiling. Said one, ”McDonald’s has great food, but I come here every day because of him.” KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
A Minnesota grandfather just completed 10 handmade violins for his grandchildren. The project took Gene Van Alstine 10 years, but Gene - who's been battling bladder cancer - wanted to leave something special for his grandkids:
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A MN grandpa had a problem. One cherished violin (played by his own grandpa) he wanted to pass down - and 10 grandkids. So, Gene Van Alstine spent 3 years learning to make a violin. Then, another 7 years making 10 more - one for each grandchild. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
Kelly Klein teaches her kindergarten class on Zoom from the hospital, while receiving chemo for a second bout with ovarian cancer. The Falcon Heights Elem teacher says the kids give her strength - while she's teaching lessons that transcend school. KARE tonite
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#land10kstories
At 74, the only veterinarian in Faribault County, MN is offering give away his practice, clinic building & pickup to any young vet willing to take his place. Dr. Robert Bogan can't bear the thought of leaving his county without a vet. KARE tonite after the games.
#land10kstories
A St. Paul gymnast is dedicating her Olympic dreams to her dad. Suni Lee just earned a spot on the US World Team, while her dad is in the hospital paralyzed w/ a spinal cord injury. "I tell her, 'Don't worry about me, just go and do well,'" John Lee says. KARE
@10p
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Louis Williams is like no umpire you've ever seen. The backflipping, cheerleading, youth softball ump known as Blue Lou, is the talk of the diamond. "My philosophy is just to, whoever I’m around, to just have a positive impact on their life." KARE tonite
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The new FB coach in Ely, MN is striving to build bridges between mostly white Ely & his mostly African American team. Terrence Isaac - at Vermilion Community College - believes that good will come from connections between his players & the town of 3500. KARE
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