TURNER – As Monica Quimby recovers from a skiing accident that left her paralyzed, friends, family and businesses are holding fundraisers to help pay for the physical therapy equipment she needs.

Raffle tickets for diamond earrings valued at $1,000 are being sold, said Nadia Quimby, Monica’s mother. The earrings were donated by Day’s Jewelers in Auburn, where Nadia works. Tickets are available at the store or from family members, 224-7653. The tickets go for $5 apiece or three for $10. The drawing will be held on June 16, Monica’s 20th birthday.

And the first Monica Quimby golf classic will be held July 28 at Turner Highlands Golf Course. Golfers may get more information by calling the golf course at 224-7060.

More events are being planned for this summer, her mother said.

“It’s overwhelming, the support we’re getting from friends, the community, everybody, even people we don’t even know. This is a good place to live,” Nadia Quimby said.

Monica Quimby, 19, was injured at Sunday River Ski Area in Newry on Jan. 28, while skiing with the University of New Hampshire ski club. She swerved to avoid a snowboarder and fell, severing her spinal cord.

After months of physical therapy in Atlanta, Ga., Monica came home April 14, but the kind of specialized equipment she used in Georgia is not available at local gymnasiums.

Quimby graduated from Leavitt Area High School in 2004, and is a student at the University of New Hampshire. She plans to return to UNH this fall.

– Bonnie Washuk

Copy the Story Link