Courtney Cushing Kiernat is a regular contributor and photographer. She lives in Kenwood.
The HCMC pediatric nurse had just finished her shift when she got the call about the mass shooting. She threw her scrubs back on, jumped in her car and headed toward the hospital — only to learn en route that the shooting was at her children’s school and her daughter was among the critically injured.
When Ozzy, my therapy dog, and I later saw her, she was dressed in scrubs but there as a mother. Through her own tears and grief, she thought of others and asked that we also visit with the kids and families waiting outside. Even in unimaginable pain, she chose compassion.
It’s Wednesday evening, Aug. 27, 2025, the day two children — ages 8 and 10 — were killed, 17 others injured and countless traumatized in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.
I am struggling to make sense of it all. How could a 23-year-old be so angry and vengeful as to intend to murder children and devastate families, witnesses and their own loved ones?
The questions are endless, but the answers may never be fully understood, accepted or acted upon to prevent another tragedy like this one.
It is overwhelming and can be paralyzing — maddening for someone like me, who likes to fix problems and tends to see the glass as half full. But where is the hope in this?
(Image: Courtney Cushing Kiernat)
Unsure what to do, I turned to what I could: I drove to HCMC, also known as Hennepin Healthcare, with my dog Ozzy to do what we do every week — provide a glimmer of hope, respite or happiness for staff, patients and families as a dog therapy team. It is the most rewarding volunteer work imaginable.
The entire hospital carried a sense of hush.
I expected chaos, but instead found calm. Entering through the emergency department, I saw staff caring for patients with compassion and expertise, as though they had not just faced a mass casualty event.
I was in awe of these lifesaving superheroes, but quickly reminded myself they, too, are only human — carrying their own trauma from today.
Next time you can, please take a moment to thank a first responder, a health care worker or anyone who goes out of their way to bring goodness into the world.
From the emergency department, we walked to the pediatric ICU, where many of the critically injured children were taken. Again, I was struck by the care and compassion of the staff in such an emotional and stressful situation.
I saw a chaplain comforting a distraught parent; the hospital COO checking on staff to ensure they were caring for themselves while caring for others; a surgical nurse who, after tending to a patient, broke into tears while petting Ozzy; a child life specialist strategizing how to support staff once the adrenaline wore off; and a doctor who made sure Ozzy and I visited the young sibling of a critically injured child — still in their school uniform.
We witnessed the aftermath of unimaginable evil today, but also countless acts of kindness and compassion that show even in the darkest times, there is reason for hope.
I am deeply grateful for the phenomenal care and humanity the HCMC team brings to our community every day. They give me hope, especially when tragedy strikes.
Next time you can, please take a moment to thank a first responder, a health care worker or anyone who goes out of their way to bring goodness into the world.
We all need reminders that our good deeds — big or small — make a difference in the lives of others and our community. They bring us hope in humanity and in the future.
TAKE ACTION
If you want to take action, here are ways to help:
Donate to Sophia and her family at GoFundMe.
Visit the campaign page titled “Support Sophia, and the Forchas Family Recover.”
Every contribution — big or small — helps directly with medical and family support.
Give to the Minneapolis Annunciation Response Fund. The Minneapolis Foundation has established a response fund to aid victims and their families. You can donate easily via text: Text “ACF1” to 41444 to contribute directly to the fund. Funds will be managed in coordination with the Annunciation community to ensure equitable distribution.
Support comfort care at HCMC. Provide toys for patients and siblings or meals for families and staff by giving to the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation:
www.hennepinhealthcare.org/hennepin-healthcare-foundation/
