Nov 4, 2007 11:11 pm US/Central
Friends, Strangers Help Minn. Woman With E. Coli
COLD SPRING, Minn. (WCCO) ―
Sharon Smith is overwhelmed by the kindness of friends, neighbors and even strangers. Her daughter Stephanie Smith is on life support after eating E. coli tainted hamburger at a barbecue. The 20-year-old has been hospitalized since Sept. 28.
"I just want you to know my faith in the world has been restored because of fabulous people. People I don't even know," said Sharon.
On Sunday supporters packed a Cold Spring home for a benefit raffle and sale for Stephanie. She grew up in Cold Spring and went to Rocori High School.
"Steph is a great girl. You couldn't have a better daughter than her. I feel like she's my daughter," said Deb Reynolds, a family friend.
Friends hope to ease the financial strain. Stephanie's mom has taken time off work to be at her daughter's bedside in Rochester and expenses are adding up.
"It's been really hard and the family is obviously very scared and confused, there's a lot has been going on and things change day to day," said Jess Karssch, Stephanie's friend.
Stephanie's family said the energetic dance teacher is holding her own. Her kidneys are working again but she remains in a drug induced coma.
Her family is feeling positive, though they know at best there will be many months of rehabilitation ahead. Sharon is grateful for the benefit but even more thankful for the support money can't buy.
"All the people that are praying is making all the difference in the world," said Sharon.
There is a fund set up to help pay for Stephanie's medical expenses. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch or the State Bank in Cold Spring.
The family thinks the ground beef that made Stephanie sick came from Sam's Club.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
