MFLCares Gives Back to the Urbandale Education Foundation

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp
Midwest Family Lending’s Jackie Ezell (center) presents Meribeth Haynes, board president and Nicole Berger, communications director, with the Urbandale Education Foundation a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The Urbandale Education Foundation is MFLCares’ featured charity this month.

URBANDALE, Iowa – We’re proud to have called Urbandale, Iowa “home” to our main office for 25 years. And we’re honored to support the Urbandale Education Foundation (UEF) with a $1500 donation as our featured charity this month through our MFLCares program.

“This donation means so much to our organization as it will help us fund much needed teacher grants in the Urbandale School District,” says Meribeth Haynes, board president of the Urbandale Education Foundation. “Those grants pay for things the teachers want to bring to their classroom but current budgets do not allow.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is meaningful to them. Jackie Ezell, our mortgage loan closer who is also an Urbandale resident, nominated UEF after seeing firsthand “how much these teachers take on” when her son was a student in the district.

MFLCares logo

“I chose the Urbandale Education Foundation because it takes care of one of our most precious commodities, our Urbandale teachers,” Jackie says. “I love the fact that UEF has been able to give out over $40,000 in teacher grants. It’s about time we take care of those who care and teach our kids!”

About The Urbandale Education Foundation (UEF) & How You Can Help

The Urbandale Education Foundation (UEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing the educational experience of all students in the Urbandale Community School District by funding projects and initiatives not supported within existing school budgets. Urbandale Dollars for Scholars & Urbandale Alumni Association are part of the UEF.

Donate to make a difference in the lives of Urbandale teachers and students!

UEF has established an endowment fund for building a living financial legacy in support of activities of the Urbandale Education Foundation including student scholarships, educator grants and alumni connections. Funds are spent as determined by the UEF Board of Directors. Contributions to the UEF Endow Iowa Fund are eligible for a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit and limited to an annual distribution rate of 5%. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please click here and you will be taken to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines website to process your donation.

Fore! Calling all golfers:

Save the date for the annual UEF Alumni Golf Tournament, which will take place June 27, 2022. And help set up local students on the path for financial success.

All proceeds from this tournament support UEF’s mission and the Urbandale Alumni Association by providing needed funding for Urbandale teachers’ classroom grants and Urbandale seniors’ college scholarships!

“As I’m sure most people know, our schools are severely underfunded, and our teachers work tirelessly to bring learning into our classrooms that engage the students and enable them to be productive members of society,” Haynes says. “This year we were able to fund 20 classroom grants totaling over $16,000. Our group also works with Dollars for Scholars to fund college scholarships for Urbandale High School Seniors.”

Learn more here, and join us in helping UEF to make a positive difference in the lives of Urbandale students, educators & community members.
Go J-Hawks!

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“We know the need to support our students & educators will continue, and we appreciate donors like Midwest Family Lending who help make this possible!”

Meribeth Haynes, board president of
the Urbandale Education Foundation
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Thanks from all of us at Midwest Family Lending!

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

During this season of gratitude and always, all of us at Midwest Family Lending are beyond grateful for the opportunity to help our neighbors throughout Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado finance their homes and achieve the dream of homeownership.

Thank you to our customers, team, business partners and MFLCares charities for being part of our “family” throughout the last 25 years. It’s the people like you who make what we do what we love.

Sometimes words just can’t express our deep appreciation.

But really, “Thank you” from all of us at Midwest Family Lending…..

And thanks to everyone who was able to join us for our 25th anniversary celebration! It was so great to see so many of you.

For those of you who missed it, here’s footage from Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, including a message from our president:

We all have so much to be thankful for. One of those is to all of you who took time to vote for us as the best local mortgage company.

We’re delighted and honored to share that, thanks to you, we were again voted Best Local Mortgage Company in Urbandale Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Class Awards!

Wishing you and your family a home of your own, filled with warmth, fellowship and a feast to be remembered (even though we all know the kids will just eat the dinner rolls)! 😂

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃



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MFLCares about Martensdale Fire Association

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp
Midwest Family Lending has donated $1500 to the Martensdale Fire Association through the local mortgage company’s MFLCares program. Pictured from left to right: (Front row:) Martensdale Fire Department’s Jessica Smith, Rich Wheeldon and fire chief Scott Henson (Back row:) Wyndham Sellers, Dustin Reiland, Corbin Smith, Mike Pedersen, Steven Henson, David and Harrison Northwick

MARTENSDALE, Iowa – Martensdale Fire Association was our featured charity last month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program.

“As a volunteer fire and rescue department we rely on donations. This donation will help buy much needed supplies,” says Scott Henson, chief of Martensdale Fire Department. “Martensdale Fire Association greatly appreciates when people and businesses like Midwest Family Lending step up to support our efforts to be there for our community.”

MFLCares logo

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month that is important to them. Supporting local volunteer fire and rescue departments is “near and dear” to our processor Marti Myer’s heart, as her husband has served as a local volunteer firefighter for the past 14 years. She has seen firsthand the sacrifices these first responders make to serve their communities.

“The fire department is an important community asset, particularly in rural areas like ours,” Marti says. “In addition to fighting fires, these volunteers help with lift assistance, car accidents, ambulance presence at school sport functions and much more. Having them available when someone is in need of help is very important for each and every person living within Warren County. They’re passionate about helping others and giving back to our community, and they deserve our support.”

About Martensdale Fire Association & How You Can Help

Martensdale Fire Association is a nonprofit organization founded to support the volunteer firefighters of Martensdale and the Martensdale Fire Department. The Martensdale Fire department has 15 active members.

The association has hosted a chili dinner held in early March, for 60 years as a fundraiser. And donations are always appreciated.

“I wanted to give back to those who put their lives on the line to make a difference and help their neighbors when needed most,” Marti says. “These departments are always in need of donations, and I encourage all who are able to help in any way they can.”

Marti requested October for her charity’s month because it’s fittingly Fire Prevention Month. Check out these easy tips from The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help keep your home and family safe from fires, like this one on alarms.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“Some people run from problems. Others run to them.”
Thank you, firefighters!

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Thanks for Trusting Midwest Family Lending for Your Mortgage Needs for 25 Years!

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Flashback to 1996, The Year Midwest Family Lending Originated…

  • The No. 1 song was the “Macarena” (Good luck trying to get that out of your head now) — As if! 😉
  • The average cost of new house was $118K.
  • Americans were watching shows like E.R., Friends, Seinfeld, yadda yadda yadda (with commercials!).
  • Tickle Me Elmo was “all that and a bag of chips”. And due to the frenzy that led to supply shortages, the coveted toy couldn’t be found in stores. (Parents/Grandparents put on actual pants — not athleisure wear — and drove all around to stores that actually sold only toys then).
  • By playing game No. 2,131 Cal Ripkin broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive MLB game record.
  • Dolly the sheep became the first mammal to be successfully cloned.

(We’re still dreaming about how to clone our awesome home loan originators and mortgage office team. Check out this fun throwback video of our team in ’96)!

We’re celebrating 25 years of service, helping Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado residents finance their homes and achieve the dream of homeownership.

And because 25 years is A LOT of years – we’re having an Open House to celebrate this milestone.

Today’s the big day! We’d love for you to join!

We want this party to be a celebration of all things Midwest Family Lending, and YOU are a huge part of that! You make what we do what we love.

We also love taking any opportunity to use our platform, our voice, and our business to shine a light on those doing amazing work in our communities. So you’ll also have a chance to connect with a variety of organizations we support via our MFLCares program — organizations changing lives, making an impact and leading from the heart.

When: Swing by anytime TODAY! Thursday, Oct. 28, from 4-6:30 p.m. And we’ll be going live on Facebook with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce at 4:15 p.m. with remarks from Chamber leaders, Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg and our president. Can’t make it in person? We’d love for you to drop in virtually, wave/say “Hi” too!

Where: Our home office, located at 2753 99th Street, Urbandale, Iowa

What to expect: Family-centered fun including free family photo mini sessions, snacks and the chance to connect with some of the charities we’ve supported throughout the years through our MFLCares and #SpreadCheer programs.

Bring the fam, and swing by our open house to have your free photo taken just in time for Christmas card season!

Here’s a message from our president expressing our collective thanks for being part of our “family” throughout the last 25 years:

“Like any business, there have been ups and downs throughout the years. But we are stronger than ever thanks to a combination of an incredible team and the awesome communities we serve. It’s been our pleasure to serve these communities, and I am very thankful to be surrounded by incredible people inside and outside our office walls.”

-Chuck West, president of Midwest Family Lending
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MFLCares about Bryce’s Warriors

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp
Bryce Draisey fishing with family in April of 2010. Bryce’s memory and impact lives on through the foundation in his name, Bryce’s Warriors.

Bryce’s Warriors is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program.

“The Bryce’s Warriors board members continue to be amazed at the generosity and kindness of Midwest Family Lending,” says
Michelle Draisey with Bryce’s Warriors Foundation and mother of Bryce. “Due to Covid-19 and other circumstances, this will be the second year we are not able to hold our annual fundraising golf tournament. MFLCares’ donation guarantees that Bryce’s Warriors can continue to do what we do. We’re blessed to pass that generosity along to families of transplant children and those of Southeast Polk High School seniors in need of help as they head to college and start their journeys as adults.”

MFLCares logo

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is dear to their hearts. Though each of the charities MFLCares supports throughout the year is meaningful to our team, Bryce’s Warriors Foundation holds a special significance. Bryce was the son of one of our loan officers, Derek Draisey and nephew of branch manager Mike Draisey. Bryce’s memory and impact lives on through the foundation in his name.

“There’s just too much going on in this world that we didn’t feel right going to businesses and individuals for donations,” Derek says. “I’m grateful to work for a company that supports the memory of our son while helping others in need in our community.”

About Bryce’s Warriors

Bryce’s Warriors Foundation supports the Bryce Draisey Memorial Dollars for Scholars scholarship fund, families of children waiting for and who have had heart transplants, Children’s Miracle Network and Iowa Donor Network. Funds raised through the Foundation also provide Thanksgiving meals to children and families in the PICU at University of Iowa Hospitals, as well as food and gas cards to those families in need while a child is living at the hospital. The Foundation is also looking into additional options to expand its assistance to families of transplant children.

Learn more about Bryce’s Warriors Foundation and its four missions here. Bryce was proud to spread his story to as many people as he could to create awareness for organ donation. In doing this, he also spread a story of love, courage, and forgiveness that all who knew him will remember.

Remembering Bryce

Bryce Draisey was a happy and presumably healthy 11-year-old boy when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Over the next 2+ years, he endured several surgeries, including a heart transplant, rejection of his new heart, many hospital stays and many other health complications that arose during that time. Bryce endured all of this believing that each day is a new one and the trials, sadness, or anger that may have happened yesterday no longer matter today. He took his health problems seriously and complied with all of his doctors’ instructions, but he also took all of it in stride most of the time. Bryce just wanted to be a normal teenager who went to school and had fun with friends.

How You Can Help

The majority of Bryce’s Warrior’s funds are raised through its annual golf tournament, typically held each September. Though the event was not able to be held due to COVID-19 this year, you can still donate to help support the Foundation’s mission.

To donate, checks may be mailed to:

Bryce’s Warriors, Inc.
PO Box 42131
Urbandale, IA 50323-3855

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“It’s people and businesses like Midwest Family Lending that have enabled us to find new areas where we can make an impact in the lives of hospitalized children and their families while remembering Bryce.”


Derek Draisey, Bryce’s Warriors Foundation and father of Bryce
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Midwest Family Lending is Celebrating 25 Years of Service!

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

We’re having a party, and YOU’RE invited!

Midwest Family Lending is celebrating 25 years of helping our neighbors say “Yes”. Yes to dreams. Yes to goals. Yes to possibilities.

We’re holding an Open House at our home office in Urbandale to celebrate this milestone. And we’d love for you to join!

When: Thursday, Oct. 28, from 4-6:30 p.m.
Where: Indoors & Outdoors at Midwest Family Lending’s home office, located at 2753 99th Street in Urbandale
What: Family-centered fun including free family photo mini sessions, yard games, snacks and the chance to connect with representatives of some of the charities we’ve supported throughout the years through our MFLCares and #SpreadCheer programs

We hope to see you there!

Thanks to our customers, team, business partners and MFLCares charities for being part of our “family” throughout the last 25 years. You make what we do what we love. 

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MFLCares About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp
Midwest Family Lending’s Kyle Guldenpfennig, CRMS, CVLS, (left) presents Justin Bogers, AFSP Iowa volunteer and daughter Elisha a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. AFSP Iowa is #MFLCares featured charity this month.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Iowa Chapter (AFSP Iowa) is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to support AFSP in its fight to decrease suicide by 20 percent by 2025 through increasing awareness and education campaigns, suicide prevention research, and support events like the Out of the Darkness Walks, Ride to Fight, and International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

“Having organizations like Midwest Family Lending, through MFLCares, choose to partner with AFSP Iowa is incredibly important for prevention education and awareness,” says Justin Bogers, AFSP Iowa volunteer. “The cause is personal for me, as I do not wish for people to experience the pain associated with mental illness or suicide loss as I have.”

MFLCares logo

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is meaningful to them. Kyle Guldenpfennig, CRMS, CVLS, aka #TallMoneyMan, licensed mortgage loan originator with Midwest Family Lending, nominated AFSP Iowa after seeing firsthand the needed support it offers families affected by suicide.

“I chose the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as this month’s charity as it holds a special place in my heart,” Kyle says. “The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is something my family has participated in the past 6 years after the suicidal loss of my mother-in-law. This walk has been a good opportunity for us to get together and remember her and many others whose life has ended much too early. Mental health is a serious issue that deserves more attention and this organization is doing just that, bringing light to those that need it the most.”

About AFSP

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide.

“Our nationwide network of Chapter leaders and volunteers are making a difference. They help to create a culture that’s smart about mental health, and bring more awareness to their local communities about suicide prevention,” says AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia.

Suicide remains one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. Through research we’ve learned that suicide is multi-faceted, and no one ends their own life for a single reason. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications are pertinent and while the pandemic itself does not cause suicide, for some people, pandemic-related experiences may contribute to their risk.

How You Can Help

Upcoming AFSP Iowa events include:

  • Out of the Darkness Walk – Central Iowa on September 19 at DMACC Ankeny Campus. Registration at Noon, event time from 2-4 p.m.
  • International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on November 21, 2021. More info to come on this annual event.

Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

AFSP also welcomes opportunities to present any of our prevention and education workshops including Talk Saves Lives. Interested employers, community groups, or individuals can reach out to Joani Moller to learn more.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“The need for these services is high and, sadly, growing in the state of Iowa. Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Iowa – in the top five for ages 54 and under. Our state ranks 21st in suicide rates per 100,000, and total deaths to suicide reflected a total of 11,470 years of potential life lost before the age of 65. We need organizational efforts to increase mental health services – particularly in rural Iowa. Together, we can #BeThe1to #BeTheVoice and give hope to decreasing this preventable cause of death.”


– Justin Bogers , AFSP Iowa
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Back-To-School & Property Tax Season Tips!

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Yellow school buses are back running throughout the neighborhood.
You might hear the marching band out practicing for the big game.
And it’s a whole lot quieter within the walls of many homes.
Depending on your family, back-to-school season can mean change.

Maybe now you’re empty nesters wondering if it’s time to downsize (or to turn Junior’s bedroom into a home gym or home theater). Or maybe you need to tap into your home equity to create some structured home study/work space.

Whenever things change in your home, you need a trusted advisor — not a computer. Our team of licensed home loan originators is happy to help you review your options to keep you on track to meet your overall financial goals.

It’s also property tax season in Iowa.

You may have received a statement in the mail from your county treasurer’s office that looks something like this and are wondering what you’re supposed to do….

Part of your monthly mortgage payment includes paying local & state taxes twice a year. Taxes are due in:

  • Iowa: You can either pay for the year in full or pay each half by its respective due date:
    • 1st half: September 1, delinquent after September 30
    • 2nd half: March 1, delinquent after March 31
  • Nebraska: December 31
    • 1st half: becomes delinquent the following May 1
    • 2nd half becomes delinquent on September 1
      • Except in Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy counties
        • There 1st half is delinquent on April 1
        • 2nd half becomes delinquent on August 1
  • South Dakota: January 1
    • 1st half: no penalty if received by April 30
    • 2nd half: no penalty if received by October 31

If your loan recently closed, your tax payments will likely a bit different this year. Your licensed mortgage loan originator explained this at closing. But we know that was a lot of information! So contact your loan originator if you should have any questions.

Not a tax expert? No problem! We’re here to help! Contact your licensed home loan originator with any questions or whenever you have mortgage inquiries.

What is “Escrow?”

And if “escrow” is an unfamiliar term that sounds an awful lot like “escargot,” (not even close), check out this video from another of our awesome licensed home loan originators, Sara Fuller, NMLS #712200. Sara breaks it down with Mike and Holly Taylor, Realtors with REMAX Precision in one of their weekly #TerminologyThursday videos, where they cover terms frequently used in real estate and mortgage lending. And as a bonus, this one includes a cameo of Gizmo, one of her adorable dogs!

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7 Budget-Friendly, Midwest Road Trips for Families

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Step one foot inside your local retail store, and you’re sure to see back-to-school sales and even pumpkin spice-flavored stuff on the shelves — signs that summer’s almost over already! 😭

But there’s still time to hit the road with the fam and enjoy another adventure or two! And the Midwest has some great destinations that are perfect for a budget-friendly day trip or long weekend!

Here are some of our team’s faves:

If The Great Outdoors is Your Happy Place:

  • There’s lots to do in Mahoney State Park, which sits between Lincoln and Omaha. You can stay in a cabin or hotel. Activities include hiking, a treetop ropes course, observation tower, zero-entry wave pool, miniature golf, disc golf, paddle boarding, horse trail rides, theater performances and much more. Wildlife Safari Park, a drive-through safari, is also just minutes away. – Jean Holman
  • Ledges State Park is a quick day trip where I love to take my family and dogs. According to Iowa DNR, this four-mile trail system is “one of Iowa’s most historic and unique nature destinations, especially for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts,” offering “breathtaking excursion amongst Iowa’s natural beauty.” The hiking is great, but the streamwalk is my favorite. Pack for a picnic. – Molly Maguire
  • The Rocky Mountains, Colorado. One of our favorites was renting a cabin in Estes Park. Not only is the scenery amazing, when you head into town, you can get up close and personal with the elk. And go see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre! –Eric Smith
  • A road trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota is amazing. Our favorite spot is the Roughlock Falls area tucked away in Spearfish Canyon. In the future, we look forward to exploring some of the caves in the Black Hills and the Badlands. –Curvin Larson

Did Someone Say, “Road Trip?!”

  • Northeast Iowa:A family road trip to Northeast Iowa is a must! The Mississippi River offers so many beautiful sites. Between Dubuque and heading north up the river and then over to Decorah is just silly pretty. The Marquette-McGregor area has always been a favorite. While you’re there, stop by Spoke Cave for a tour. Then head to White Springs Supper Club for some walleye or catfish. – Jason Pleggenkuhle
  • Omaha, Nebraska:

If You Think Life is Better at the Lake:

  • Back home to Silver Lake is my family’s favorite getaway to relax. It’s so peaceful on the water, seeing wildlife. We enjoy boating and jet skiing. But this small, rural community also has a nice golf course. And there’s a new coffee shop uptown. –Linden Heikens
  • We purchased a lake home on Diamondhead Lake a couple of years ago. It’s been awesome to get away with family to relax, floating on the water and boating. –Derek Draisey
  • Okoboji, Iowa:
    • Traveling to Okoboji has been something I have enjoyed since childhood. As we make the turn toward Boji, it’s always a contest for the first person to see the lake and say, “I saw the lake first! I saw the lake first!” A favorite place to stop on a hot day is for a Nutty Bar at Arnolds Park; they never disappoint. –Sara Fuller
    • Now that Spirit Lake’s our permanent home, we’re already at a place where friends/family are always coming up to visit. We spend a lot of time out on the boat. We feel truly blessed. –Kim Hinrichsen

Kids grow up, and tomorrow’s not promised. Take the trip!

“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.”


-Winnie the Pooh

We’re here to help you map out your budget so you have room to enjoy your journey and life’s adventures. And good news — you don’t need to sell your house and move into an RV to do so!

Yes, you can skip a month’s mortgage payment through refinancing. And obviously, if you haven’t taken advantage of the near historically low rates, that’s money you’re missing out on that you could be putting toward your dreams. But rates aren’t everything either. Debt consolidation is also a great reason to refinance your home. You could shorten your mortgage term while saving thousands of dollars! That’s where you need an experienced professional, like each of our licensed home loan originators, who will take the time to offer a comprehensive review of your specific scenario and help you achieve long-term financial success.

We can help you get the most out of your money and put you on the path to your destination. Contact your loan officer today to learn more.

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MFLCares About HDSA

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp
Pictured from left to right: Eric, Mark and Bill Smith at HDSA Iowa’s 2015 Team Hope Walk. The Smiths have raised both awareness and dollars for HDSA Iowa in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disorder that has affected them deeply. Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) and their families through support and services.

Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) and their families through support and services.

“Midwest Family Lending continues to be one of our biggest business supporters in the Des Moines metro,” says Andrea Bauer, president of Huntington’s Disease Society of America – Iowa Chapter. “HDSA truly feels honored to continue to have their support year after year. We love seeing the MFLC team at our yearly Team Hope Walks and Celebration of Hope Gala.”

MFLCares logo

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is meaningful to them. Eric Smith, licensed mortgage loan originator with Midwest Family Lending, nominated Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter (HSDA). The Smiths have raised both awareness of and dollars for HDSA Iowa in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disorder that has affected them deeply.

“HDSA supports families with HD and is helping find a cure for this brain disease that’s passed down in families from generation to generation,” Eric says. “Unfortunately, one of my brothers, Mark, passed away from complication of HD in June of 2020. And my brother, Bill and sister, Becky, are suffering with HD. With our support, along with that from the community, we hope to raise awareness and one day help find a cure.”

About HDSA Iowa

HD is a fatal genetic disorder that deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities, usually during their prime working years. It’s described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s simultaneously. The disease is caused by a gene mutation; any child of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disease.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is “the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease.” From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with Huntington’s disease and their families.

Its mission is:

  • To help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease and their families through support and services
  • To educate both the public and health care professionals about Huntington’s Disease
  • To promote and support research directed at discovering a treatment and ultimately a cure for Huntington’s disease.

Living with Huntington’s Disease

See what it’s like to live with HD in this ABC News story featuring two families affected by Huntington’s disease.

How You Can Help

Donate

It’s not too late to donate to the 2021 Team Hope Walk!

Stay Informed

Follow HDSA Iowa on Facebook to keep up to date on HD news and events.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“Huntington’s Disease is an extremely rare genetic disease with a small footprint. Having the support, awareness and advocacy from business leaders like Midwest Family Lending helps us grow our awareness.”
-Andrea Bauer, HDSA Iowa

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