Friends and organizations rally to help hot springs burn victim

Friends and residents are organizing benefits for burn victim Andy Crowell to help defray his hospital expenses.

Crowell is the lone survivor of an accident Sept. 24 when he and friend Lisa O'Shea jumped into a hot spring pool north of Gerlach to save their dogs. Both received second- and third-degree burns over 80 percent of their bodies. Crowell was listed in critical condition at Las Vegas' University Medical Center's burn unit Wednesday. Lisa O'Shea died there Sunday.

"He's in critical but stable condition, and (doctors) are very optimistic about his chances for survival," friend Andy Jorgensen said, noting that Crowell is still heavily sedated, but responding well.

His mother, Donna Crowell, was guardedly optimistic Wednesday, noting that doctors have begun a series of surgeries to remove dead tissue, replacing it with six-inch squares of a synthetic skin.

A collagen substance embedded in the skin adheres to the remaining healthy tissues, providing a matrix for tissue growth. Once these tissues have grown up into the matrix, Crowell will receive implants of his own skin, which is being cloned.

According to Jorgensen, this synthetic covering is being applied to the lower parts of his body, and each six inch square costs $1,200. But that, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Donna Crowell said his vital signs must remain stable throughout this protracted process, which will take about five to six months. Over all hangs the threat of infection.

"It's an extensive, terrible burn, and he's enduring a lot of pain," Donna Crowell said. "If his vital signs remain stable, he will keep on progressing. He's strong and determined. We just hope he'll be able to endure the surgeries."

Crowell, 25, attended Virginia City Schools and worked as a carpenter for a contractor in the Virginia Highlands. He had no insurance.

Fund-raising events scheduled:

- The Andy Crowell Benefit Concert and Raffle at Reno's Mira Loma Park should start between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Local rock bands will gather for an afternoon of music in the park, and a number of items will be raffled. Organized by Andy's friends and his band, the "Fourth Street Honkies," it will include at least five local rock bands: "10-Ton," "Uncle Funckle," "2nd-Hand Jive" and "The Smokin' Caterpillars," as well as Crowell's own band, the "Fourth Street Honkies." Crowell has been a drummer with the band since last spring.

For more information, call Toby Stewart at 323-1754.

- Virginia City Motorcycle Marathon, a non-profit community group, has scheduled a motorcycle ride Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13-14, from Virginia City to Tonopah and back to raise funds for Crowell.

The 200-mile route to Tonopah passes through towns like Gabbs, Dead Horse Wells, Wabuska, and Como.

"It's a tough ride, but it's fun," Lorraine DuFresne, spokeswoman for the group said. "We usually do it in the spring, but special marathons are held as fund raisers when a resident is in desperate need of medical or other assistance."

Created in 1979, the organization is dedicated primarily to dirt bike and quad racing. DuFresne said fifteen riders are presently signed up, and she expects many more: some coming from Southern California, the Bay Area as well as Carson City, Reno, and Dayton.

A community potluck and auction will follow the marathon on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Ponderosa Saloon in downtown Virginia City. Anyone interested in riding in the marathon, pledging support for the riders or contributing to the potluck and raffle, call 847-0523 or 847-0509.

- An account has been established for medical expenses, and expenses incurred by Andy's family. Make checks payable to account No. 0049-6029-6895 at any Bank of America branch.

You can help:

- Motorcycle ride, Oct. 13-14, Virginia City-Tonopah

- Potluck and auction, Oct. 14, Virginia City

- Benefit concert, Oct. 21, Reno

- Donations to medical account, Bank of America