Fundraiser set for north Valley West Nile victim

Friends are organizing a rummage sale April 26-28 to raise money for Megan Most, the Douglas County resident who acquired a crippling case of West Nile virus last July.

"She's been through so much. It's sad she's had to go through this, but she's going to make it," said friend Tina Alaniz. "She's strong and all of us are standing behind her."

Most, who was paralyzed following a bout with West Nile meningitis, required a ventilator to breathe for months. She's now breathing on her own and has some movement on one side of her body.

"She's talking and is now able to feed herself with her left hand, but she still has very little movement in her legs and upper body," Alaniz said.

Most, who is 34 and the mother of three daughters, is being treated at Renown Rehabilitation center in Reno. She should be released in about a month. Money from the fundraiser will be used to help her get established after she's released.

"They (Renown professionals) are trying to get her to the point where she can take care of herself. That's really good," Alaniz said. "They're working to get her stronger so she can sit up more."

Alaniz received a wheelchair and computer donated and that should make life better. An apartment here would mean Most could stay connected to her daughters, who are living with their father in Reno, Alaniz said.

"We're trying to find a wheelchair-accessible apartment or home with a room, to get her back here with all of her friends," Alaniz said. "We want her here with us, but it's going to get expensive."

Disability pays for Most's COBRA (health) insurance, cell phone and storage unit. When she obtains Medicaid coverage for health needs, she will be able to use that money for living expenses.

The rummage sale will be held at the old Wal-Mart, 3965 S. Carson St. in Carson City from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 and 27, and 8 a.m. to noon April 28. Face painting, hot dogs, sodas and icees will be available for a nominal fee and a blood drive is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, said organizer Dianne Gilder.

"We're trying to get pony rides too," she said.

Information on West Nile virus will also be available, Alaniz said.

"The summer season is coming up," she said. "We all need to be prepared."

In the meantime, organizers are preparing for big crowds by gathering donations.

"I can pick any donations up if need be," Gilder said.

For more information, contact Gilder at 267-4835 or Alaniz at 267-3074. A bank account is open and people can send their financial donations to Greater Nevada Credit Union, account 862957. Checks should be written to Tina Alaniz for Megan Most.

• Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.