Lusk -On Saturday, March 16, Niobrara County and the surrounding areas came together to do the two things they do best, have fun and support one of their own at the Becky Clark Benefit dinner, auction and dance.

Becky Clark has been in Cleveland, OH since February 2018 awaiting a four-organ transplant. Becky was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis in 2011, which lead to many hospital stays, surgeries and aggressive stent therapies. She was then referred to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where on March 2, 2012 she udnerwent an 18-hour surgery to remove her pancreas, spleen, part of her stomach, part of her small intestine, and an Auto Islet cell transplant. She did well for a couple of years but the surgery left her with several health issues.

The last six years have been difficult for Becky, her husband Cory and their family. She has spent more time in the hospital than at home with her family. She has undergone multiple abdominal surgeries for blockages which has left her with short bowel syndrome. She has dysmotility and has been diagnosed with intestinal failure. Becky is now in need of a pancreas, stomach, small intestine and large intestine transplant.

Becky must be within 20 minutes of the Cleveland Clinic so when the call for the transplant comes in she can be there immediately. Becky will remain in Cleveland for up to a year after she receives the transplant. Cory and their two year old son Conner spend time between Lusk and Cleveland while Cory continues to be actively involved with the Niobrara community and his real estate business.

The benefit committee is made up of Cory and Becky’s friends and colleagues who wish to help them with travel, housing, and medical expenses while Becky awaits her transplant.

The benefit opened at 6 p.m. with a barbecue dinner. The menu was entirely donated with the meat and rolls for the dinner donated by Angry Irishman, pasta salad was provided by Hickory Creek Catering, potato salad by Decker’s Market, Sandy Thomas prepared the baked beans and the Niobrara County Cattlewomen provided desserts. Spirits Liquor and Lounge sponsored the cash bar.

Around 100 silent and live auctions items were donated by busineses and individuals from Niobrara County and the surrounding area. Mark and Michael McNamee of McNamee Auction provided auctioneering services and clerk services for the live and silent auctions.

 Over 320 people attended the benefit and danced to the sounds of Rick Geisler and The Band of Outlaws from Sheridan. Green ribbons were distributed to the attendees to raise organ donation awareness and attendees were encouraged to wear green not only for St. Patrick’s day, but to draw attention to the tremendous need for organ donars.

If individuals would like to know what else they can do to help the Clark family they may contact Sherry Ellis (307) 534-5488 or Tandy Dockery (307) 340-1138 or mail letters of support and cards to Becky Clark at PO Box 47 Lusk, WY 82225.