Douglas grad recovering from off-road accident

An account has been set up for Stella Baldauskas, 24, a 2002 Douglas High School graduate who broke her back March 10 in an off-road vehicle accident near Las Vegas.

Baldauskas' boyfriend Rob Wimp and the driver also were injured.

"They were in a sand rail on the sand dunes," sister Debbie Baldauskas said. "They were going up a hill and thought it plateaued at the top, but it didn't. There was a crater on the other side and they went straight down."

Baldauskas suffered a broken back, the driver had a concussion, cut face and broken nose and Wimp had crushed vertebrae.

"It took 45 minutes to get emergency there," Debbie Baldauskas said. "They had to get a vehicle in, then they took her by helicopter to the hospital."

She had surgery March 12 that included the insertion of plates and metal rods in her back, Baldauskas said.

"She was released from the hospital Sunday, and is keeping a positive attitude despite her pain and current situation," her sister said.

She is a recent graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and began working for a non-profit organization, but doesn't have insurance, which meant a stay in a rehabilitation center was out.

Baldauskas is recovering at home with the assistance of her boyfriend and family and friends.

Her parents, Chuck and Mary Baldauskas, have been able to visit from Gardnerville.

"She will not be able to work for about a year because of her injuries," Debbie Baldauskas said. "Her boyfriend will be off work for a few months due to his injuries."

She said the Valley Cruisers and other organizations are planning a fundraising event.

"The support has been amazing," Debbie Baldauskas said. "She's getting cards and phone calls from her friends all over the country asking if there is anything they can do. Just talking about all the support makes her cry. She totally believes prayers have helped her remain strong."

She said the Baldauskas family wanted to thank the community.

"We really do appreciate it. It helps us stay strong when we'd like to crawl in a corner, too," she said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

An account has been set up at Bank of America to assist 2002 Douglas High School graduate Stella Baldauskas with expenses as she recovers from back injuries suffered in an off-road accident March 10 near Las Vegas. Donations may be made to Chuck and Mary Baldauskas, in trust for Stella Baldauskas, account No. 501003941513 at any branch.