By November 2024, Lynn Nieland knew something wasn’t right. Simple tasks left her unusually exhausted. Walking across her home became a struggle for air she used to take for granted. “It just kept getting worse,” she shares, describing months of fatigue and shortness of breath that slowly reshaped her daily life.
After two years of care with Sanford in Fargo, Lynn was diagnosed with a failing tricuspid valve in her heart and learned she was not a candidate for open-heart surgery. After being declined for two clinical trials, doctors ultimately offered her a specialized, minimally invasive procedure once she met strict health requirements. Her expectations — and hopes — were high.
Lynn spent six days in the hospital — three before surgery and three after. Her care team completed the procedure laparoscopically which offered a less invasive path forward than traditional surgery. The impact was immediate and remarkable. “I was up and walking the same day,” she says. “I already felt so much better.” That first step marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Strength, one day at a time
Following her procedure, Lynn began cardiac rehabilitation at JRMC, where she worked with Madeline Ranum, cardiopulmonary coordinator. Even between appointments, she would often be seen walking the medical center halls — steadily rebuilding her strength, one step at a time.
From there, her care expanded into JRMC’s Good Medicine Program. At Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC), she worked with JRMC Exercise Physiologists Sydney Klompien and Arianna Marrufo, continuing to rebuild endurance, confidence and independence. “Lynn showed up every day ready to do the work,” says Sydney Klompien. “You could see her strength returning not just physically, but in her confidence and spirit too.”
What stood out most to Lynn wasn’t just the care plan — it was the people behind it. “This isn’t just a job to them,” she says. “The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The team is so kind, caring and motivating.”
Today, Lynn is back doing what she loves. She works out at TRAC four to five times a week on her own and spends time tending to her yard and flowers. Most importantly, she remains an active, present part of her growing family’s life. She and her husband, Terry, have three children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Giving back, where it matters most
For Terry, Lynn’s journey is a powerful reflection of why he has served on the JRMC Foundation Board for more than 15 years. He believes access to specialized care close to home changes everything for families like theirs. “We are fortunate to have JRMC,” he says. “They continue to grow and meet the needs of this community.”
In gratitude for Lynn’s care and recovery, the couple made a generous gift to JRMC in support of the rehabilitation team that walked alongside her during her healing journey.
Lynn’s story is a reminder that recovery is never just clinical — it’s personal, supported and deeply human. And it is made possible by a community that chooses to give.
If Lynn’s story resonates with you, consider supporting the JRMC Foundation. Your gift helps ensure more compassionate care and innovative rehabilitation — right here at home.
As seen in the Summer 2026 issue of AppleSeeds.