Staff writer
Goessel, Moundridge, and Sedgwick junior high and high school volleyball teams are rallying together to raise funds for recent accident victims Tamera Yutzy and Rylee Spears of Goessel. Classmates of Rylee, who would have started third grade at Goessel Elementary this year, as well as other community members continue to care and remember the pair.
A single-vehicle rolloever accident near Goessel on Aug. 10 resulted in critical injuries for mother and daughter. Both are making recovery progress but remain hospitalized at St. Francis-Via Christi in Wichita. Tamera recently moved into the Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, while Rylee is a patient in the Burn Unit.
Connections between the victims and volleyball team members and coaches are coming to the forefront as the teams raise money to assist with expenses.
All players and coaches for these teams are taking part in a serve-a-thon the week of Sept. 17. They will serve 100 serves each. Those to wish to support the effort may pledge a flat donation or sponsor a player/coach per serve made.
“Tamera worked as a nurse at Moundridge and knows a lot of people there, and Rylee took part in our summer volleyball camp the high school team put on,” said Crysta Guhr, GHS volleyball coach. “The girls just wanted to do something to help this family. They are very special and are going through so much.”
The Sedgwick teams became involved because their high school head coach is a twin sister to Guhr.
“We’re competitors on the court,” Guhr said. “But it’s great for us to rally together for a good cause.”
Those wishing to contribute may contact coach Crysta Guhr at (620) 367-2554 to help with this cause.
Goessel third-grade classmates of Rylee continue to send cards and well-wishes to their friend, and talk often about her, sharing updates and hoping she returns to the desk they keep waiting in the classroom for her.
“We try to keep it positive and hopeful for the kids,” teacher Dale Wiens said. “The children miss her a lot.”
Goessel community members took part in an ice-cream social fundraiser for the victims Sept. 2, organized by Tabor College student Nicole Tunks. More than $1,100 was raised to help with medical expenses but much more is needed.
Tunks, who worked with Goessel’s after-school program last year that Rylee attended, said she was so thankful for the community support given to the victims.
“I know Tamera would be overwhelmed by the love and compassion I have witnessed here,” she said.
Family members and friends established a fund for additional contributions at Citizens State Bank in Goessel.