JAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- An outpouring of support from friends, family and strangers is helping a young mother recover from wounds sustained while serving her country.
"There is not enough that can be done for her because she fought for our freedoms and we need to support her," explained Maurice Castonguay.
In late June, Sergeant Helaina Lake was seriously injured in a bomb blast when the base she was at in eastern Afghanistan came under attack. Three other US soldiers were killed, as were many civilians.
Sgt. Lake sustained extensive injuries to her right arm and leg and was air lifted to a hospital in Germany where she was stabilized before being transferred to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"Those wounds are forever now, and that type of serious injury, she is going to have to deal with for the rest of her life," stated Castonguay, Lake's uncle. "The thing that saved this young lady's life was her flack vest."
Castonguay says she has endured numerous surgeries and undergoes painful physical therapy daily.
"She's doing very well. She is done with her surgeries for the moment. In October, she is due to have major surgeries on her leg and her arm."
Lake grew up in Livermore Falls and graduated from high school there in 2007. Her extended family has rallied the community to help support her parents and cover some of the costs they've encountered to be near her as she recovers.
"Her spirits are up," said Castonguay. "Her spirits are even better now that her 2 year old son is staying down there with her."
To help Helaina Lake's family, the family and members of the community have organized a day long fundraiser on Saturday, August 25th. The event begins with a raffle at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street starting at 9 in the morning and running until 7:30 that night.
Just down the road at the Lane-Dube Am Vets Hall there will be a spaghetti supper and silent auction starting at 4:30 until 7:30. After the supper, there will also be a dance at the Club House Tavern at the Maple Lane Golf Course beginning at 8 Saturday evening.
Donations for the Wounded Helaina Fund are also being accepted at the Otis Federal Credit Union and can be dropped off in person or mailed to:
Wounded Helaina Fund
C/O Otis Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 27
Jay, ME 04239
NEWS CENTER