Church, couple blessed
A couple's devotion to their church, a congregation's solidarity, and a woman's invincible spirit turned a local tragedy of horrific proportions into a story of deep faith and healing.
Kathy Kelly of Kalispell was severely injured in a traffic accident April 29 a few miles west of Kalispell. She had to be pried out of her van with the Jaws of Life, and after she was stabilized at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, she was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where she remained for about three weeks.
Kelly was treated for a torn aorta, collapsed lung and at least 15 bone fractures, including both sides of her pelvis, both arms and some of her vertebrae.
When she returned to the Flathead, to Brendan House, she was completely immobilized. Her head and back were in a brace, her arms were useless after multiple surgeries, and she was being fed through a tube.
The one thing that seemed unaffected by the accident was her amazing spirit.
Kelly and her husband, Dennis, are pillars of the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ (Congregational), which, thanks in part to the couple's tireless efforts, has managed to keep going despite having no minister for the past 18 months.
The members of the small church began brainstorming for ways to help with the medical expenses. Paul Gregory, the church's former music director and now the music director of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, suggested doing a benefit organ concert. He quickly was joined by Janet Haarvig, a national-class cellist and member of the couple's church, and by Nan Klassen, the church organist.
A silent auction was added. Donations poured in from 33 generous local businesses, as well as from church members and several nonmembers.
Finger foods were plentifully prepared for the concertgoers to enjoy.
This event raised more than $2,500 for the couple.
Kathy was able to return home in mid-July. She's learning to eat normally after the disruption from the feeding tube, and faces extensive rehab therapy - but she can walk and use her arms - and feels blessed to be able to once again attend church services.
The Rocky Mountain Roadhouse was rocking last month for the Ravenwood Natural Science Center. Rob Quist and his band, Great Northern, and the David Thom Band brought their banjos and bases, guitars and fiddles to a fundraiser last month for the center.
More than 250 people enjoyed the great bluegrass music, and more than 70 businesses and individuals donated items for the Rockin' for Ravenwood event, which raised $5,200.
Brett and Laura Holmquist, Ravenwood's co-founders, wrote to show their gratitude to the 35 volunteers who banked more than 150 hours of work and to countless others who baked desserts, brought their friends, and wished them well.
"We so appreciate this fantastic community support," wrote the Holmquists, "and plan to put the money to work helping others to be inspired and better understand our beautiful home here in the Flathead Valley." Located in the Swan Valley, Ravenwood offers a creative roster of science-based programs and wilderness education camps for children and adults to raise awareness of their environment and teach outdoor life skills. To learn more, call 837-7279 or visit ravenwoodnsc.org.