{"id":3369,"date":"2018-01-21T13:38:03","date_gmt":"2018-01-21T18:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=3369"},"modified":"2018-01-21T13:46:15","modified_gmt":"2018-01-21T18:46:15","slug":"wny-fundraiser-planned-to-help-couple-with-overwhelming-medical-bills-after-tragic-accident-in-wyoming-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2018\/01\/21\/wny-fundraiser-planned-to-help-couple-with-overwhelming-medical-bills-after-tragic-accident-in-wyoming-county\/","title":{"rendered":"WNY\/Fundraiser planned to help couple with overwhelming medical bills after tragic accident in Wyoming County"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Dave and Minerva Stefanski)<\/p>\n

A fundraiser has been planned to help relieve the financial stress for Minerva and Dave Stefanski, after a tragic motorcycle accident that occurred in July of last year on Rt. 20A in Wyoming County.<\/p>\n

Medical bills have piled up for the family after they suffered life changing injuries and underwent several surgeries. Further surgeries may be be required and the Stefanski’s are dealing with disabilities and are unable to work.<\/p>\n

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(July 2017)<\/p>\n

Minerva and Dave Stefanski and their family members, George McGann and Tomasa Martinez, were riding on motorcycles on Rt. 20A in the Town of Orangeville, in July, when Joshua Huntress, 29, of Mayville, NY, high on multiple drugs, swerved into their lane and struck both motorcycles, killing Tomasa Martinez and crippling Minerva and Dave Stefanski, and George McGann.<\/p>\n

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(Tomasa Martinez ) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (Tonya Colon(daughter of Tomasa Martinez) with George McGann)<\/p>\n

The three spent months in the hospital. All three were unable to attend Martinez’ funeral service and never had the chance to say goodbye.<\/p>\n

After speaking in court during the sentencing of Joshua Huntress, the victims and their families held a press conference with District Attorney Donald O’Geen.<\/p>\n

“If it wasn’t for our family and their support, I would probably not be sitting here,” says Dave.<\/p>\n

Minerva cannot work at all and she used to work two jobs to help support her family.<\/p>\n

“My biggest thing is seeing Minerva everyday, it is just killing me , you know, not much progress, the pain level, they can’t do much, that is what is eating me. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, would not wish this on that kid, this is just ridiculous”<\/p>\n

McGann says he has lost the love of his life.<\/p>\n

“When this first happened and I was in intensive care, I wanted to take my life. For the rest of out lives we will have to go through hell,” says McGann.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

The benefit is on March 25, 2018. It is being held in North Tonawanda, NY, at Gratwick Hose Fire Hall, 110 Ward Road, but this will only make a slight dent in their financial burden.<\/p>\n

If you cannot attend the benefit due to being out of town, or just wish to give a simple cash donation. A gofundme page has been created.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/511o0u8<\/p>\n

All proceeds will go directly to the account of Minerva Stefanski.<\/p>\n

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Previous stories<\/p>\n

WYOMING COUNTY\/DA calls for changes in the system after preventable tragedy affects victims for a lifetime<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n