McPherson EMS Launches McPherson Strong Apparel Fundraiser

McPHERSON — McPherson EMS has partnered with Mimi's T-Shirts and Atomic Sports to sell McPherson Strong apparel benefiting victims and families affected by the Oct. 17 tragedy at Wichita's Stryker Sports Complex.

The Oct. 17 crash killed Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both of McPherson, and injured 11 others.

Kelsi Hilger, McPherson EMS paramedic field training officer and lieutenant, said the tragedy had connections to the department. A former McPherson EMS lieutenant who worked for the department for years before joining Moundridge EMS was injured in the crash. A part-time McPherson EMT is also related to Nicholas Schafer.

Hilger said seeing colleagues who had spent their careers helping others experience such pain created an immediate desire to respond.

"Naturally, as caregivers, we felt the overwhelming need to do something," Hilger said.

Proceeds after material costs will support victims and families directly affected by the crash. Distribution plans remain unfinished, but the department will help direct the money appropriately.

The design was developed by Hilger, paramedic Kylee Bonneville, and Mimi's T-Shirts. The shop suggested the soccer-ball heart, while Hilger sketched the shirt and Bonneville refined it. The back features the heart with angel wings and the words "McPherson Strong."

"While it isn't said every day, we see it every day," Hilger said.

Short-sleeve shirts cost $20, long-sleeve shirts cost $25, and sweatshirts cost $30. Red and black options are available in sizes from youth small through adult 3XL.

Orders may be placed through the McPherson Strong online store. The store will remain open through Nov. 22.

Hilger said the fundraiser allows EMS personnel to support the community differently from businesses that can donate revenue directly.

"Most of our community members only see us when they don't want to, when they are sick or injured," Hilger said. "We wanted to find a way to show the community that we are here for them in more than one way."

The department has not set a fundraising goal. It began the campaign before settling on a distribution process so assistance could start quickly.

Local residents can help by sharing the flyer, store link, and EMS social-media posts.

"You are not alone," Hilger said. "We are here for you, we grieve with you, and we are hurting with you. There really are no words. This is an unimaginable grief, and you don't have to bear it alone."

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