When Lutzke spoke to CNA earlier this month, the funds were over $300,000. She called the success “pretty crazy.”
“I don’t think I ever really expected it to get where it is,” she added.
“I can’t believe it,” said Tina Lutzke, her mother. “We’re so happy and grateful for the support that it’s received.”
In an updated statement on the GoFundMe, Susan Lutzke wrote on Sunday: “We’re thrilled to announce that we have officially surpassed our initial goal of $400,000 with 12 days left until the deadline.”
“Our hearts are full, and we struggle to find the words to properly convey our gratitude,” she said.
She added that “33 days ago, we were completely overwhelmed with the daunting task of raising such a huge sum of money in such a short period of time, especially over the holidays. However, we were bound and determined to give it our all.”