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 Emily Poor shows a big smile during her birthday at Mikey's Gyros on Saturday evening. Steven Devine/Argonaut
Birthday parties usually signify another year of life going by, but for University of Idaho alum Emily Poor, it represented much more.
The environmental sciences graduate student was seriously injured in a car accident, and her recent birthday served as a celebration and a fundraiser to raise money to help pay for her hospital expenses.
“I was collecting plants in Montana for my bachelor thesis and wanted to go to a dance in Missoula,” Poor said. “For some reason, I swerved off the road and landed in a ditch. The rest I don’t remember.”
Poor said, her seatbelt and airbag saved her life and she was life flighted to the Kalispell hospital.
Her multiple injuries were severe.
“I had a brain hemorrhage, fractured pelvis and left arm,” she said. “I spent six days in the hospital, then went to my folks’ in Boise to go through therapy … I recovered faster than expected, and here I am today.”
The party took place at Mikey’s Gyros downtown — the organizers said the turnout was more than expected.
“There were so many people, not only were they great in number, but in variety.”
Bill London, one of the fundraiser’s organizers, said the group “raised quite a bit of money.”
“A lot of people care about her … it was very heartwarming. It made her feel good,” he said.
London said the party was quite successful.
“People in their 60s, members of the Arts committee, townspeople, students, and many more varieties showed up,” he said.
London and David Volmer helped with the fundraiser.
“There was two reasons we put it together,” London said. “Not everything was covered by her insurance.”
He said Poor is such a wonderful person who is well appreciated and supported amongst friends.
A lot of people wanted to help, so we created this vehicle to raise money for her,” London said.
Poor was very appreciative.
“I am really thankful to be living in this community,” she said. “The donations were much more than expected. It is pretty amazing.”
According to all those involved the party was and overall success, and a good time for Poor.
“It was great. It was my best birthday ever,” she said. “Besides my first, which I can’t remember.”
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