When Lane Unhjem, a farmer in North Dakota, suffered a severe heart attack while trying to put out a fire on his combine during harvest season, it seemed like his crops would go unharvested, causing a significant loss for his family. But the tight-knit community around Unhjem rallied together, showing the true meaning of neighborly support. They came together, showcasing the essence of “you reap what you sow.” Farming goes beyond just cultivating crops; it involves helping one another in times of need. Let’s delve into the heartwarming tale of how a group of farmers united to assist a friend.
In September 2020, Lane Unhjem was harvesting durum wheat and canola on his farm in North Dakota when his combine caught fire. In an attempt to extinguish the flames, Unhjem suffered a major heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital, where he not only received treatment for his heart but also for a damaged kidney. Placed on dialysis and the transplant waiting list for both kidneys, Unhjem faced a long road to recovery.
Meanwhile, the community around Unhjem showed their immense generosity and support. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers reached out to offer assistance. Jenna Binde, a family friend, mentioned, “Everybody knows the Unhjems, and they’re good people and good in the community, and [it’s] just kind of the farming way of life too. You help your neighbor out when they need it, and don’t expect anything in return.”
With this spirit of camaraderie, neighbors put their own harvesting on hold and gathered at Unhjem’s farm to finish the task at hand. Around 40 to 50 farmers brought their combines, grain carts, semis, and other equipment to ensure that the crops were harvested without further delay. In just over seven hours, they managed to cover 1,000 acres of land—a truly impressive feat.
News of the farmers’ selfless act spread like wildfire on social media. People from all over the world were touched by their kindness. One person from Kansas remarked, “It’s what America was built on—neighbors helping neighbors,” while someone from South Africa expressed, “Awesome neighbors. If only the whole world would care for each other like this, what a great world it would be!”
Lane’s daughter, Samantha Coates, took to Facebook to express her gratitude, saying, “We can’t thank you all enough for everything!! What an incredible community of loving and caring people we have!!!” Messages of support and prayers poured in from friends and strangers alike, emphasizing the power of unity and compassion.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving, and there was even more reason to celebrate. Lane Unhjem received the good news that a perfect match donor had been found for both his heart and kidney. He underwent successful surgeries and was eventually discharged from the hospital. Now, he continues his recovery journey, attending regular appointments to monitor his health.
This heartwarming story reminds us of the incredible strength found within communities when they rally together. It serves as a testament that even in challenging times, there is always hope and support from those around us. Let this inspiring narrative encourage us all to follow in the footsteps of these farmers and be there for our neighbors, lending a helping hand when they need it the most.
