Kearney remembers Gunnar Blaschko as fundraiser advances his legacy
Kearney and surrounding communities rally to support Gunnar’s Place, carrying forward his legacy after his recent passing.
KEARNEY, Neb. — The community of Kearney and beyond gathering to honor Gunnar Blaschko, who recently passed away at age 3, and to support the fundraiser keeping his vision alive.
Gunnar’s bravery and determination inspired the creation of Gunnar’s Place, a one-of-a-kind pediatric day health center for children with complex medical needs.
Gunnar was born at 26 weeks on October 13, 2022, weighing under two pounds. After 349 days in the NICU he finally came home.
Gunnar’s Place was founded by his nurse Sheilah Harouff, to provide children like Gunnar a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, play, and thrive.
Harouff says that Gunnar’s Place will be unique in Nebraska, and is designed to care for children with complex medical needs including those on ventilators or with feeding tubes.
“This has been one of the hardest moments of my life. Gunnar was his mom and dad’s heartbeat, and he inspired this dream. Even though he’s gone, his legacy lives on," she said.
The fundraiser Saturday night brought the community together with over 150 attendees supporting the mission.
“These kids are going to have a place. We’re going to build it, and we’re going to make it," said Harouff.