Steamboat Pilot & Today

Routt County Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak's voice choked Wednesday when she talked about how great people have been to her during her years of illness.

"I've had tremendous support," she said. "People have continually supported me with kind words, cards and prayers. I truly do appreciate it."

Now, a group of Stahoviak's "loyal supporters" are planning a countywide benefit at the Steamboat Yacht Club in Steamboat Springs on Friday to raise money to help Stahoviak with her mounting medical bills.

"I'm pretty overwhelmed by the whole concept," she said. "It's been hard to ask and accept help when you've never needed it before."

County Clerk Kay Weinland said no one was more deserving of the community's help than Stahoviak.

"Nancy is just incredible," she said.

"She's served on so many different things over the years and touched so many lives. She's just a fabulous person. We're so glad to help her."

Stahoviak's medical issues began when she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis at age 30. She consequently had hip and knee replacements, though her knee replacements were removed and replaced in 2003 after kidney failure. Stahoviak got a bacterial infection in 2004 and eventually had her right leg amputated above the knee in March 2005.

Since then, she has had to pay about $30,000 for skilled nursing care because her insurance ran out. She also had to pay for a $14,000 motorized wheelchair and other medical and therapy bills, all while continuing to serve as a Routt County commissioner.

Weinland said she hopes Friday's event will be the beginning of an ongoing fundraiser that will ultimately generate $75,000 so Stahoviak can begin paying bills and remodel her house to make it wheelchair accessible.

Weinland said the event is $25 a ticket, available at the door. Heavy hor d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar. A live auction begins at 6 p.m. with items such as a Steamboat Ski Area season ski pass, golf passes, ice skating passes and a ski pass to Howelsen Hill. A silent auction is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well, for local gift certificates and services.

Stahoviak said she was glad to get back into the office a month ago, before which she had teleconferenced with her fellow commissioners for meetings.

"It's always been a challenge for me. But I think it was the best thing for me to get back here physically and start doing things again, instead of just being on the phone," she said.

Weinland said Stahoviak's benefit is going to be a great social event as well as an opportunity to help a longtime community member.

"It's going to be a great time," she said. "It's a good time to get together with friends and enjoy the cause."

Weinland said people do not have to come to the event to contribute to Stahoviak's fund. People also can make donations to the Nancy Stahoviak Benefit Fund at Bank of the West, P.O. Box 772948, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477. The donations also can be dropped off at the bank, 555 Lincoln Ave.