Helping Mariah
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mariah Serrano has a lot of people behind her in Emporia — including her friends at Emporia High School.
The Emporia teen was injured critically in a two-vehicle accident on May 29 at the intersection of Roads M and 240, northeast of Emporia.
Mariah, who suffered brain trauma and other injuries in the accident, was moved from Stormont-Vail HealthCare this summer to receive treatment at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Neb.
Family members have taken turns staying in Lincoln, to ensure that someone is with her at all times.
Two of Mariah’s good friends, Logan Ranger and Elizabeth Dieker, both students at Emporia High School planned a dance for Mariah to raise money for medical and travel expenses the family is incurring.
In total, the dance raised $1,577.44. The dance was held on Aug. 15 at Emporia High School. About 300 people attended to support Mariah, Logan and Elizabeth said.
Logan came up with the idea, he said and he and Elizabeth got started planning the dance along with about 10 other friends. Both Elizabeth and Logan felt compelled to do something for their friend. Elizabeth was in the accident with Mariah on May 29, she said.
Sponsors of the dance included The Granada Theatre, Caribbean Sun, Tyson, Emporia High School, Sutherlands, Hallmark, Maurices, Walmart, Catos, Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply, Eric Slaymaker, McDonalds.
Also, Papa Murphy’s, Pizza Ranch, Pizza Hut, Dieker Dairy, Terry Hall, Sensei Salon, Family Video, Movie Gallery, the McCoy Family, Clint Bowyer, parents at EHS and the Emporia Police Department.
Logan and Elizabeth talked about their friend Mariah on Friday.
“She’s an awesome person,” Elizabeth said, of Mariah.
Logan said Mariah, who was a cheerleader at Emporia High School before the accident, never judged anyone or talked bad about anyone.
“She doesn’t care what other people think of her,” Elizabeth said. “She does her own thing.”
Elizabeth and Mariah did a lot of things together from staying up late to cheerleading together. Logan laughed as he said he and Mariah hung out in science class.
Mariah is taking baby steps toward recovery, Elizabeth said.
“She’s improving,” Elizabeth said. “She’s taking baby steps, but she’s getting there.”
Mariah’s family runs a Caring Bridge Web page for friends and family to track her progress.
The Web site can be found at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mariahserrano.
faith29 (anonymous) says...
she is definatley very well loved. but from what i understand those 2 students are not the only ones who organized and set this up. if your going to write a story of it make sure you include everyone who helped.
September 14, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )