“Purple Hearts” for Adisyn “Tank” Rhyme

When a military member is wounded in combat, they receive a purple heart medal. Along with the medal comes a certain amount of celebrity status, both wanted and unwanted. Adisyn Rhyme, 11, of Mindoro, was on her way to school when the vehicle she was traveling in was struck by a truck. Out of concern for the families involved, and without revealing any medical details, Adisyn was severely injured in the accident. Her brother was also injured but at the time of the accident he ignored his injuries, immediately rendering aid to his sister. Medical personnel were notified and arrived at the scene in quick order.

Adisyn was transported to Gunderson Hospital in La Crosse, where the emergency department performed lifesaving methods to treat her injuries. Once she was stabilized, she was medevacked to Mayo Hospital in Rochester for additional medical treatment.

With her family by her side, doctors and nurses performed miraculous measures to save her life. The good news is that she recovered from her initial injuries rapidly. With superb medical care and lots of prayers, Adisyn was able to walk out of the hospital under her own power, after the obligatory wheelchair ride to the lobby.

Back home, her first desire was to see her brother Lane, whom she shares a special bond with (and of course her sister Alainah). As he came home from school, she ran to him and gave him a big hug, reassuring him that she was alright. Adisyn’s family gave her a nickname of “tank” when she was young because she was as solid a tank.

Following the accident, the Elementary school made an oversized poster of a tank, and the entire elementary school signed it, and it was hung on the wall of the school. Her nickname has been upgraded to “tank strong.”

Her grandmother, Sue Kast, who, along with her husband, own the Mindoro Top Dawgs Pub and Grub, remarked that, “The support from the community has been unbelievable with meals, donations, thoughts and prayers.” Last Thursday, the Melrose-Mindoro High School Mustangs played a volleyball game against Cochrane-Fountain City High School Pirates. Between sets 2 and 3, an “Aces for Adisyn” event was held, with players vying for the most volleys over the net. The winner was awarded a cash prize, which she promptly donated to the Adisyn medical fund.

So, how did Adisyn get her “purple hearts?” The Mustang colors are green and yellow, and the pirates are red and black. That night, the Mustangs wore purple ribbons on their shoes and in their hair, for Adisyn. That night both teams and many of the spectators were dressed in purple T-shirts — Adisyn’s favorite color.

Didn’t have a purple jersey that night? There were fund raising T-shirts for sale with the name “Adisyn” and “#rhymestrong” on the back. Cochrane-Fountain City won the game, but all thoughts were on their adopted teammate, Adisyn. The Cochrane-Fountain City team further provided a card with well wishes and a monetary donation to the Rhyme family. It was sportsmanship at its finest.

Last Saturday, a Chicken Q and silent auction was sponsored by Cindy’s Bar and Grill Restaurant, in Mindoro. The public response was overwhelming, as more than 500 people attended. There were so many people that after 30 minutes, they ran out of chicken for the Chicken Q. No matter, this was Adisyn’s day. Many crossed the road to Cindy’s or the Top Dawg, for lunch. Several people stayed at the nearby park waiting for Adisyn, the guest of honor, to arrive.

Still getting adjusted to her recovery and her newfound celebrity status, she was immediately greeted by many community members, who were happy to see her there and doing so well. As shy as an 11-year-old can be, Adisyn and her family took it all in, grateful for the support from the community. The family has an emotional journey in front of them but are eternally grateful all three of their children are with them today.  Mother Laura said, “We also can’t go without recognizing the community, who have provided us so much strength and hope during our darkest days.” 

Adisyn said that she is doing well with her recovery but there are several medical procedures in her future. Local dentists have volunteered their services, free of charge, to bring her bright and shing smile back. Should concerned families desire to contribute to help pay for her future medical treatments, there has been a Venmo site established for donations. Donations may be made to Rhyme Strong@Rhymestrong through Venmo payments or by contacting the Top Dawg Bar and Grille, at paulsuedawg@yahoo.com.