Submitted photo Delsin “Dee” Zamzow enjoyed a visit from sons Ryker, left: Dalton, front, and Zeke at Allina’s Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Center in Golden Valley. Zamzow wasparalyzed in a dirt bike accident May 31, 2017. The Lafayette Lions Club is holding a benefit next week to raise funds to make his home handicapped accessible, so he can return home

LAFAYETTE — The Lafayette Area Lions Club is stepping forward to support an area man who is learning to adjust to life as a quadriplegic. In conjunction with its annual Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast Sunday, Jan. 14, the club is hosting a silent auction benefit for Delsin “Dee” Zamzow of rural Lafayette.

Zamzow was severely injured in a dirt bike accident in Mankato last May 31. Zamzow, 30, was airlifted from the scene to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. He was on a ventilator and had a feeding tube while in intensive care. After six weeks, he was moved to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center in Golden Valley in late September and continues to undergo therapy.

The Zamzow family is currently renovating Dee’s home northwest of Lafayette so that he can come home. All proceeds from the benefit will go toward that work.

Dee’s sister, Natasha Armstrong, estimates that it will take another six weeks to complete the work of installing a ramp, putting in a handicapped accessible bathroom, widening doorways, lowering cupboards to accommodate Delsin and his wheelchair, and more.

Dee is a quadriplegic but can bend his elbows. He has no finger or fine motor skills but has learned to feed himself things like sandwiches by using adaptive equipment. He is also learning how to do other simple tasks. When he returns home, Zamzow will have a personal care attendant 10 or 11 hours a day, with family members covering the remaining hours. Those family members include Natasha and husband Jason, brother Jared Zamzow and his girlfriend Shanon Reinhart, sister Jennie and husband Jeff Moldan, sister Shannon Zamzow, mother Doris Zamzow, and father Roger Zamzow.

Dee is, understandably, looking forward to coming home. Natasha visits him weekly, on her day off from work as a Registered Nurse at New Ulm Medical Center. She looks forward to more people being able to visit him when he’s home. His being here will also allow his sons‚ Skyler, 10; Ryker, 5; Dalton, 3; and Zeke, 2‚ to visit him more often.

Dee’s mother, Doris Keim-Zamzow, said it was difficult for the boys to visit their father as there is little for them to do at the Rehabilitation Center.

“It’s been very trying for him. He’s coping as well as can be expected. Dee does have some sad days,” Natasha said.

Dee has only been able to return to Lafayette once since the accident.

Doris said it was a challenge to transport Dee home. On his last visit to Lafayette there was a breakdown with the vehicle lift device and then there was the issue of finding an adequate place to stay.

“No one has a handicapped accessible house for him to stay at. Dad does, but it’s too small for both his chair and Dee’s chair,” Natasha said. “I do plan to get him to bring him to the benefit. We hope the boys’s mother can bring the boys to the benefit, too.”

Dee, Natasha, and the rest of the family are very appreciative of the Lions and the community for the benefit and their support.

“We appreciate anyone who has contributed in any way and for all the thoughts and prayers,” Armstrong said.

Doris said any donations would be appreciated.

The silent auction benefit will be held during the Lions Dad’s Belgian Waffle breakfast, beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. The event has been moved to the Lafayette Charter School to provide more space in anticipation of a larger crowd.

Donations for the silent auction can be dropped off at Dave’s Place or Community Insurance in Lafayette, during regular business, through Friday, Jan. 12‚ or can be brought to the Lafayette Charter School Sunday morning by 8:30 a.m. Bidding for auction items will close at 12:30 p.m. All proceeds from the benefit‚ as well as cash donations received‚ will go directly to Delsin for home renovation. The Lions Club has already designated $1,000 to the cause. For those unable to attend the Jan. 14 benefit, an account has been set up in Dee’s name at SouthPoint Financial Credit Union in New Ulm.

Serving for the breakfast/ brunch will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes all-you-can eat waffles, sausage, flavored syrups, strawberries, and beverages. Take-outs are available. Advance tickets are available from any Lions member or at Citizens Bank Minnesota, Lafayette Branch through Friday.

Article by the Lafayette Lions Club, with additions by Clay Schuldt.