Benefit for Krosch family set Sunday

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- There's just something about the Krosch triplets that grabs your attention.

Jennifer, Lexi, and Briana fix their eyes on you, make faces, smile, and babble. The daughters of Jeff and Kari Krosch of New Ulm, they'll be two years old in May.

Briana was born with many health complications. She has undergone extensive physical therapy and many major surgical operations in her young life. She nearly died last year.

A bundle of energy and personality, she's much better now.

Earlier last year, Jeff and Kari took Briana to Omaha. They discussed with medical specialists the possibility of a liver and small intestine transplant for Briana.

After learning that her chances of survival were about 50-50, that she would need lots of medication, would likely reject the transplants several times and have to visit a hospital there monthly for the rest of her life, the Krosches decided not to have transplant surgery.

Because Briana had trouble digesting food, the Krosches opted to have part of her esophagus tied off to solve those problems.

The surgery was successful. Briana has gained weight, is healthier, and her medication intake is down.

"She's a little behind the other two girls. She isn't walking yet, but stands by herself.

"We got her a new Christmas toy. She'll walk around herself with it. She does things at her own pace," Jeff Krosch said.

Briana's bubbly personality has a way of getting the attention of people she meets.

All three girls have distinct personalities. Lexi is more loving. Jennifer is more domineering. Briana is mischievous at times. Lexi and Jennifer are great motivators for Briana

"They say a few basic words to each other and have other ways of communicating," Kari said.

The Krosches visit doctors in New Ulm and in the Twin Cities.

Kari Krosch said the girls sleep well. They're usually sound asleep by 8:30 p.m. each night and don't wake up until 7:30 a.m. Briana sometimes sleeps until 10 a.m.

Jennifer had a fever spell last year. All three girls are very susceptible to colds.

A nurse takes care of their children 12 hours a day while the Krosches work. The family has received lots of volunteer help from Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

A cake and ice cream fund-raiser for the Krosches will be held 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Checks can be made out to The Jeff Krosch Family Fund and mailed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1400 S. State St., New Ulm, MN 56073.

Matching funds have been applied for with the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch 8083 and Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 9377.