Perhaps you could do your Jerry Lewis impression and give us periodic updates of how much has been raised.  It sounds like her expenses will be pretty significant.

I am having flashbacks

to a time some years ago in the DC Community. One of the most beloved providers of that area became gravely ill. She didn't ask for help, she didn't whine or complain. And like some silent National Guard, the DC Hobby community and those from other parts of the country rallied around her and did what was needed to make sure she and her children were taken care of.

There were reports of the Ladies and gents setting her daughter up to go to the prom, including a limo, a gown and corsages for her and her date. There were college funds set up...memorial services to arrange and the far reaching care of a woman not long for this earth and 2 late teens to consider.

During those hard months there was a fund set up. There were parties planned to raise money and an incredible sense of community.

The updates on Gina, the knowledge that Cindy and the guys have been to see her just prove how amazing people in this industry can be. I often tell the story about the lady in DC and I ask those around me "Do you think the people at your work, or your softball team or even your church would go to these lengths to help someone like this?" Most of the time the answer is a somber "No" or a quiet "Maybe".

Gina is sitting on a double edged sword. She has suffered a great setback, and seems to have a long hard road ahead of her, but she is fortunate that there are people around who care and want to help. None of us can say "oh she is so lucky to be alive or it could have been worse, blah blah blah....." We aren’t lying in that bed with the thought of surgery looming in the distance. We are not contemplating the months of physical and emotional rehab this is going to take to get her back to a place she needs and wants to be. For anyone who has dealt with any type of physical injury more serious than a sprained ankle knows the worse the injury, the more intense and longer the rehabilitation.

I tip my hat to Smarty, Cindy and Travelin. Whatever people may disagree on when it comes to the boards and hobby, you all have made Everyone look good with your generosity and spirit.

You will have to excuse me now...I am heading to the bank to make a deposit *smiles*


Be Well and give my best thoughts to Gina,
~V



-- Modified on 9/1/2006 10:18:29 AM

Re:UDATE: Gina and the Benefit Fund

Let me begin by saying that I am an outsider looking in on this community because I travel to LV often.  It is truly amazing that a culture such as this exist in the midst of "historical social intollerance" to this type of activity.  My hat is off to all those who care enough to donate, and to find it in their hearts to be so positive.  Over the past two days I have had the opportunity to get to know two providers.  Wow, real people exist in a real world.  Despite the cosmetic formalities, I applaude those involved.  I believe that a God or your own understanding works through people, to people.  This is living proof that that "faith without works is dead.  There is an underlying current of humanity that embodies us all.  Whether we want to acknowledge that is irrevlevant.  Hat's of again to you LV culture and community.  This type of thing is what makes the world a better placed.  If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.  Gina must be a very special person, and I was more than happy to donate.  Stay safe, have fun, be true to yourself, and be true to others.  Integrity is a huge word.  Each day is a day that we must bring out thoughts for others into our "prayers"  Humility is not thinking less of yourself; but, rather, thinking more of others.  This must happen regardless of personal feeling for those you may not particullary care for.  Gina I hope and pray that your recovery goes exactly how it is supposed to go and you are now in my daily meditations.   Thanks for allowing me to post this message.  Have fun all, play safe, and you must be true to yourself before you can be true to others.  INTEGRITY is an all or nothing event.  t

I just called the hospital and Gina was sleeping. The lady who answered said "Should I wake her up?" I said "No, no, I'll call back later!" So I will.

But when I talked to her yesterday, she was complaining that her neck was hurting terribly, and she was expecting the surgeon to come check on her. As of now, I don't know if he saw her or the result of his examination, if he made one. So it is not clear if another surgery is necessary. When I talk to her today, I will make another post.

I talked to her mother yesterday too! She is back in Florida now. Gina's medical insurance should cover most of the expense of her treatment, but we need to keep her insurance in force by making the monthly payments on time. Also, all of Gina's belongings have been moved to storage in Las Vegas, so we need to make the payments for that. This is mostly what the fund we began will be used for. Her mother has been doing the best she can, but she has been off work for a lot of days while she has been tending to Gina, and Gina's savings are all used up already, so there is truly a need for any help they can get.

Gina also asked me to contact the people who developed her web site and ask them to change the wording on her front page to explain what has happened to her. It was not easy to track them down. But by calling Gina's mom, and having her go through the phone numbers in the one phone of Gina's that survived the accident, we finally found them. I asked them to send the bill for the changes to me, and we intend to use the fund to take care of that too. There might be some other unforeseen expenses that will come up during Gina's rehabilitation. That is the kind of thing we consider this fund to be used for.

Gina had taken her lap top, which was her only computer, to California with her, and that and her Blackberry were either lost or destroyed in the accident, so she will also eventually need to replace those when she is ready to return.

Obviously, we can't know how much will be needed or how long this fund will be necessary, but we certainly appreciate the response we have had from all of you. Whenever I tell Gina how many people care about her and are willing to help, she breaks into tears. As Smarty said, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

T.L.

-- Modified on 9/1/2006 1:17:47 PM

I hate to say it, but who cares..... no seemed to cared when I was worried and was looking for my friend about my friend. Why should I care about about Gina.

mrsmarty.

Re:UDATE: Gina and the Benefit Fund

hey smarty, i will be in vegas this coming weekend 9/9 - 9/12. is there any way i can make a donation to this cause. i will be breaking my hobby cherry whilst i am out there and i think this could help bring some good karma my way. please let me know of there is any way i can contribute.
thanks,
bigliguy