RSS | Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Monday, January 11, 2010

Red Cross group takes up fundraising effort
Scrambler Marie's Breakfast Bistro & Lunch
By LINSEY MAUGHAN

STAFF WRITER

A fundraising effort is under way to benefit Emily Clark, a 12-year-old McComb girl who is confined to a wheelchair and whose insurance won't cover the cost of a special piece of exercise equipment she needs.

Emily is a sixth-grader at McComb Elementary School, and attends physical therapy weekly at Blanchard Valley Rehab for arthogryposis, a condition she was born with.

"She was born with joint contractures and missing muscles," said Lydia Clark, Emily's mother. "It's a one in 3,000 chance, and just a random thing. It affects everybody different, but it could affect any joint. She had clubbed feet and bent knees and clubbed hands. She doesn't have biceps. She walks with leg braces."

The exercise equipment, called a Nu Step cross trainer, would enable Emily to get a cardio workout at home daily, which her mother said is very important.

"It's something she can get on and exercise independently," Lydia said. "Just about anything else you do, she needs assistance. This would help her keep the joints loosened up and keep the muscles stronger. When she uses this machine, she's able to do more walking and she gets stronger, and she's not at risk for too much weight gain."

The cross trainer retails at around $5,500, so Lydia began searching for aid to help cover the cost.

Lydia's husband, Michael Clark, is a specialist with the U.S. Army National Guard, and is in Iraq right now. Because Michael is in the National Guard, Lydia is eligible for assistance through the newly formed Hancock County Red Cross Armed Forces Family Network.

"The Armed Forces Family Network was formed so that there would be a connection with other military families in our community, and so that those families could help and support one another," said Nichole Coleman, coordinator of the program. "(Emily's needs) just seemed like the perfect fit, especially with the group just getting started. It was a great example of what it is I want this group to do."

Coleman also said the Nu Step cross trainer will be a valuable investment for Emily.

"That will be a piece of equipment that will work for her for her whole life," she said. "If she ever had any further physical setbacks, it will still work for her."

Mike Young, a volunteer member of the Armed Forces Family Network's leadership team, and second vice commander for the American Legion's First District of Northwest Ohio, stepped in and took over the job of securing funding for the bike.

Young set up a benefit account for Emily at Fifth Third Bank. Soon after, the Bettsville American Legion Riders made a $700 donation to the cause. Additional anonymous donations since then have brought the total raised so far to around $1,500.

"(We) have a pool of people that respect what (our veterans) are doing for our country, and we want to let them know that we're here to support their families," Young said. "(Emily's) father is on his second tour of duty, and we need to identify with the people protecting us. One of our responsibilities is taking care of the youth."

Also pitching in to help get Emily the bike she needs is the manufacturer of the Nu Step bike, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. When the manufacturer heard about Emily's case, the company offered to sell the bike at a reduced price of $4,800.

Coleman said the company also offered to sell any accessories Emily may need, such as foot straps to keep her feet on the machine's pedals, at the manufacturer's cost.

Lydia said the help provided for Emily through the Armed Forces Family Network has been a wonderful surprise.

"I've just been amazed," she said. "We've been off and on for over a year trying to get insurance to pay. I was just about ready to give in. I've been so ecstatic over this Christmas break that help is just coming out of the wood cracks."

"It's just going to be something that makes (Emily) feel good and gives her great exercise, and it's something that she's going to use for the rest of her life."

Those wishing to make donations should make them at Fifth Third Bank for the Emily Clark Benefit Account, and checks should be made payable to "Michael Young for Emily Clark." Checks may also be mailed to any Fifth Third Bank location.

Those interested in holding fundraisers for Emily's cross trainer can contact Coleman at 419-422-9322, ext. 226, or via e-mail at .

Maughan: 419-427-8417,




Subscribe to The Courier.
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail webmaster@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
   SPECIAL SECTIONS
Summer Coupons
   WEEKEND
USA Weekend

ANDERSON COOPER: Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the CNN reporter returns to New Orleans as the Gulf Coast faces even newer challenges.


Roses are red...

SOLUTIONS, NOT PROBLEMS: The University of Findlay plays host to competitive sailor who is a quadruple amputee.

ALSO IN WEEKEND: Area events,
prep boys and girls soccer and a trip to Niagra Falls.

   STAY IN TOUCH
The Courier on Facebook
   VIRTUAL VILLAGE
TisaWee Farm

Far Flung Guest Book

Virtual Village
   PHOTO GALLERY
Randy's Seen

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
j wrote in article "Many winners named as Hancock Fair opens":
Good but little expensive
“ The fair was interesting, but at $5 for the more popular rides on the expensive side, same with the food, many people commented... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:37:10 AM
JM wrote in article "McComb couple is serious about fair competition":
Very nice!
“ What a lovely article. Will have to check out their goods at the fair. ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:21:42 AM
Ed wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Dirt bag...
“ A head shot would have put an end to the both dirt bag's chance of getting more money. NATE: could it be that you have some fir... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:53:26 AM
Yfkm wrote in article "Heroin outbreak":
Denial
“ To Tony and TL Every good citizen, parent and public official advocates the eradication of drugs from our communities; you are n... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:08:20 AM
Penny Musgrave wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Benton Ridge Shooting
“ Although I am all for catching the criminal, I don't condone what was done to this guy. They converged on him like gangbusters b... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 8:43:07 AM
Yfkm wrote in article "Parole denied in murder case":
Unqualified reassurance
“ To Tony - here is another example of your inability to see situations as they really are. It is obvious that you are so self in... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 8:42:45 AM
JP wrote in article "Pigskin Picks":
Wood Shed???
“ "Bubba," why would a Tiger take a Polar Bear to the wood shed? Wouldn't it be more likely that: Tigers knock Polar Bears into a... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:16:48 AM
poor victim!!!!! wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Nate
“ Nate your a moron and obviously do not know a thing about use of force. Also most taser cartridges carried have a 15 ft to 35 f... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:15:05 AM
Ryan wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Research
“ It doesn't matter if there was a weapon found or not. An officer's job is based upon perception and their objective reasonablen... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:05:15 AM
Derek wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Nate......what???
“ Nate, first of all, police officer's don't carry mase. If they did, the would carry maCe. Now, if you did some research, you'd... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 4:02:04 AM
  U.S. Headlines
  World News
  Ohio News
Oak Mallett Golf Club - Findlay
News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.