For 30 years Kelley Kalafatich rafted down rivers around the world and was a guide to others, letting them experience the excitement and beauty of whitewater rafting.But now she faces challenges of a different kind.
The long-time El Dorado County resident is in chronic pain and paralyzed below the waist. She developed a rare condition called transverse myelitis. Her new goal is to conqueror the condition and walk again and she spends hours each day in a physical rehab program.
And she is not alone on the path to recovery.
Kelley’s friends are hosting a benefit at the Sierra Nevada House in Coloma where all the proceeds will go to the NTAF Catastrophic Injury Fund, for medically related expenses of persons with serious injuries or illness.
In addition to her rafting, Kelley was active in filmmaking as well, doubling as Meryl Streep’s stunt double in “The River Wild” and as a filmmaker in “Three Women, Three Hundred Miles.” It was a documentary about the first winter descent via kickboard of the Colorado River. The documentary will also be for sale at the benefit for $40.
So come out and support Kelley and her progress towards recovery!
What: Fundraiser for Kelley Kalafatich
When: October 23, 6 p.m.
Where: Sierra Nevada House, Coloma California
Tickets: Purchase at Sierra Nevada House, The River Store and Sierra Rizing in Coloma and Sierra Rizing, the Bookery and Fitzpatrick Physical Therapy in Placerville, or at the door.
For more information contact Tiffani Shiro at 642-8517 or Tiffani@coloma.com.
-Blog post by Chloe Daley, Style Intern.
