Community service group works
to raise funds for accident victim

In all honesty, Enza Daugherty is uncomfortable that her family has to rely on the generosity of others. It isn't something she will ever be accustomed to. But ever since the day her daughter Erika was hit by a car while riding her bike, life for the Daughertys just hasn't gone back to normal.

"We have our days," said Daugherty. "Some ups, some down." Daugherty and her husband Dan have three children, with Erika being the oldest.

Erika, 13, was on her way back home from getting ice cream at the Barefoot Landing Plaza when the accident happened. As a result of the accident she suffered severe traumatic brain injury. The avid ballet dancer and soccer player took many months of therapy to have any breakthrough and now she can blink her eyes.

Erika works at recovering daily. She attends physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy, music therapy and water therapy. Her doctors haven't made any promises. Erika's mom can see recent improvement, but the family isn't willing to ease up at all.

"I'm not going to say I want 20 percent of Erika back," Daugherty said. "I want all of my daughter."

The Spencerport Lions Club is working behind the scenes to raise money for the Daugherty family to help improve life for Erika. At the top of the list of necessary purchases is a van with a lift and a handicap accessible shower for their home. After four fundraisers, the most recent being Wheels For Erika chicken barbecue, the Lions are still desperately short on funds. The group has raised about $8,000 and has $22,000 to go to meet their goal and be able to purchase the family a van.

Sue Marino, Spencerport resident and friend of the Daughertys, recently joined the Lions specifically to help lead this charge.

"I knew all of the good work the Lions have done," Marino said. "I had been contemplating joining for years and the chance to help this family finally pushed me to become a member."

Marino is focused on finding corporate sponsorship to assist the family, like a car dealership that would help provide the handicap accessible van. Ed Nau, Spencerport Lion, said it is challenging to raise money for accident victims. First, there are no organizations in Rochester that offer services to individuals with severe traumatic brain injury. Second, there are no major companies located close to make a major contribution.

While reaching the goal will be difficult, Marino and her friends at the Lions Club remain focused on doing everything in their power to make an impact.

"The family is unbelievable," said Marino. "Their faith and their courage and how they handle everything daily is amazing."

All donations are tax deductible and can be made to: Spencerport Lions Club/Erika, P.O. Box 354, Spencerport, New York 14559.