Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 8, 1994 TAG: 9403080181
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Short
She has been at Duke University Hospital awaiting a new heart since Dec. 27.
The insurance that she and her husband, Don, carry will cover all the medical expenses except the actual purchase of a new heart when one becomes available. That is what the fund-raising effort is about.
"She's such a caring person, and she's given so much to the community that it's certainly fitting that we give something back to her," said Greg Ritter, who is heading the effort. Ritter and Don Viers work at Xaloy Inc. at Pulaski.
A meeting to plan the fund-raising effort will be held at 6:30 p.m. ThursdayMarch 10 at the Training Room in the Xaloy plant.
"The Organ Transplant Fund has been helpful in providing us information" on how to go about raising money for such a project, Ritter said. The fund is a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tenn.
Both Peggy and Don Viers have been known for years in the Pine Run section of the county where they live, and beyond, for their assistance to other families. That has particularly been true at Christmas.
Ritter said the operation could proceed whenever a donor heart is available, even if the money has not yet been raised. "It's not going to hold it up at all," he said.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Organ Transplant Fund Inc., P.O. Box 2131, Pulaski, Va. 24301. Further information is available by calling Ritter at 994-2258.
by CNB