In September 2020, North Dakota farmer Lane Unhjem faced a life-threatening challenge when a fire broke out in his combine harvester. As he tried to put out the blaze and save his crops, he suffered a major heart attack, which led to his hospitalization for both heart and kidney issues.
Unable to complete his harvest, which would have meant a significant financial loss, Lane’s farming community rallied together. About 40 to 50 neighbors quickly mobilized, using their own equipment and skills to harvest over 1,000 acres of crops in just seven hours. The heartfelt effort was a testament to the strong bonds of rural life, with farmers putting their own harvests on hold to help.
The kindness of these neighbors drew widespread praise, with social media posts highlighting their generosity. As Lane underwent critical medical procedures, his family expressed deep gratitude, sharing updates of his recovery. By Thanksgiving, Lane received heart and kidney transplants, marking a turning point in his recovery.
The community’s support reminded everyone of the power of kindness and the importance of helping one another in times of need.
