Friends show support for Valley native

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

About 500 people showed up to Carson Valley United Methodist Church on Friday for a fundraising spaghetti dinner for Carson Valley native Dan Hickey, who was injured in a skiing accident in January. Money is still coming in from silent auction items but a final tally of the night's proceeds could reach $9,000.

"It was a great turnout of old friends, lots of classmates. It was nice to have a get-together for a happy occasion," said Dan's wife Laurie Hickey.

"Everyone had a good time, especially Dan," she said. "He was there for about an hour and a half and was able to visit with people. I was worried it would be too much for him, but he said, 'There's no way I'm not going.' Dan always loves a party."

Dan's skiing injury resulted in blood clots on his brain. According to Laurie, Dan was in an induced coma for almost a month, in the intensive care unit for 38 days, and was in the neurological unit for a few days before entering rehab.

She said he lost about 50 percent of his muscle mass when he was in a coma, but feels good despite being weak. He starts physical therapy here in town and will visit his neurologist in Reno next week.

"We'll go step by step. It will be another 8 months of rehabilitation," said Laurie. "He's improving all the time. He's very determined."

For information on how to send greetings to Dan, contact Shannon Hickey at (775) 315-0697.