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‘For the Love of Chris’ fundraiser to benefit local man fighting blastomycosis

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TOMAHAWK — All area residents are invited to a fundraiser celebration on Saturday, Feb. 15, to support Christopher Busterud, 26, a 2017 graduate of Tomahawk High School and Merrill resident who is battling blastomycosis (blasto), a rare and serious fungal infection.

This event will take place at the Corner Pub (formerly Pik’s Pub), at 8 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Tomahawk, starting at 1 p.m. Attendees can enjoy raffles, a silent auction, food, karaoke, live music, games and more.

Busterud contracted blasto last fall, likely while walking in a Merrill park.

Blasto is difficult to treat and can be fatal for both humans and animals. Since his diagnosis, Busterud has been in and out of healthcare facilities and is now receiving long-term, intensive care at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He requires life-supporting measures from multiple care providers and medical technologies.

Tough infection, tougher patient

Although Busterud continues to show signs of healing, his overall wellbeing is forever changed. He faces significant rehabilitation, a long recovery and financial challenges.

Family and friends are optimistic Busterud and his partner, Winter King, will survive this battle with new strength and resolve.

Community members are encouraged to attend the fundraiser celebration next month. Anyone wishing to donate raffle items, food or assistance should contact Monica Busterud at 715-612-3459.

More about Chris

A current Merrill resident and IT Technician for Incredible Bank in Wausau, Busterud has strong Tomahawk family ties as the son of Bo Busterud, stepson of Monica Busterud and big brother to Kortney and Hunter Busterud.

While attending Tomahawk High School, he was a member of the trap team and worked as a cook at The Rodeo restaurant. In college, he completed a summer internship at LP Building Solutions.

Busterud is also a past member of the Tomahawk Lions.

More about blasto

A rare fungal infection also known as Gilchrist's disease, blasto is caused by spores of the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis or Blastomyces gilchristii, which live in moist soil and decomposing plant matter throughout the U.S. To contract blasto, a person or animal must breathe in the spores.

Blasto typically and most severely affects the lungs, but can also spread to the brain, stomach, bones, intestines and skin. Blasto is often misdiagnosed (usually as pneumonia) and can advance quickly before proper treatment begins.

Symptoms of blasto occur in approximately 50% of patients and can include fever, cough, night sweats, muscle pain, weight loss, chest pain and fatigue.

While individuals with healthy immune systems have a good chance of recovery from blasto, individuals with compromised immune systems and/or advanced symptoms face lesser outcomes.

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