RIVER FALLS — Bo Jon’s Flowers and Gifts in River Falls has closed indefinitely and is for sale due to the health journey owner Erin Powers is on. The business has meant a lot to the family that purchased it four years ago, and they are thankful for the community making it a special experience.

“It’s been a big part of our life, just because it’s allowed us to not only be with each other and work with each other as a family, it’s also allowed us to connect with the community,” Cara Powers, Erin’s daughter, said. “We’ve met a lot of amazing people through this business that we probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Erin has faced health issues over the years, battling through about 40 lifetime surgeries including open heart surgery eight years ago. Many of the medications that others would be able to take to limit symptoms, Erin cannot due to her conditions.

Through fundraising and other support methods, the community has rallied to show the Powers family love in recent weeks.

“It’s been amazing. It’s helped us a lot, especially with all the health issues that both my parents are going through,” Cara said. “We’ve had people cook for us when we’ve been really busy.”

The family has a GoFundMe set up and has reached over $23,000 of the $50,000 goal. The link to donate is www.gofundme.com/f/erin-powers-of-bo-jons-flowers-needs-our-help.

Cara said the support they have already received has helped put a dent in some of the medical bills, especially as they have had to cut store hours. Jeff, Erin’s husband, said one family gave them a Thanksgiving meal so they could focus on Erin’s health and the shop over the holiday.

“Erin loves to cook. That’s one of her passions, but she didn’t feel obligated to have to do that which was really nice,” Jeff said.

Erin and Jeff’s children, Cara, Liam and Jonah have stepped up to keep the shop running when Erin could not be there.

“It means the world to have three kids that are that thoughtful and willing to do whatever it takes,” Jeff said of the 18, 19 and 20-year-olds. “It’s very easy for that age group to be self-absorbed into their own lives… they’ve been incredible.”

Cara had essentially taken over the day-to-day operation of the shop. At 18-years-old, Cara has kept Bo Jon’s operating while also being a full-time student. As for Liam and Jonah, they have taken on manual labor and working the phones despite also working elsewhere.

“I just can’t say enough about Cara. The boys have been great, all three together, but Cara is a full-time student doing online school, she works here full-time and then even taking on more for the shop,” Jeff said. “I can’t sing her praises enough for what she has done here, and then just as an 18-year-old girl developing her own life, but willing to spend the time here to help us navigate this.”

Jeff said the biggest thing for Erin was always giving back to the community, and hearing from residents on how the family has impacted their lives has been special.

“Sometimes we don’t realize the impact we’ve made. It’s something she plans to continue when healthy,” Jeff said.

Erin has a non-profit, Blooms for Rooms, where flowers are delivered to senior care residents around Valentine’s Day.

Bo Jon’s is located at 222 N. Main St., River Falls.