Megan Most-NV

Fundraiser set for West Nile virus victim

by Susie Vasquez
November 26, 2006

No one knows what the future holds for Megan Most, the 34-year-old Douglas County woman who has developed serious complications after contracting West Nile virus in July, but her friends are there to help cover expenses with a fundraiser spaghetti feed Dec. 3.

Most's insurance from her previous employer, Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center, expires at the end of December. Employees at Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center donated their paid time off to keep her on the payroll and insured until that time, Tina Alaniz said.

"Everything is running out now and unfortunately, a lot of facilities won't take Medicaid or Medi-Cal as primary insurance," Alaniz said.

Most will have to convert to COBRA insurance at that time and friends are having the spaghetti feed to cover those premium costs, which are expected to be more than $570 per month, Alaniz said.

This single mother of three developed encephalitis, meningitis and pneumonia complications as a result of the West Nile infection and has been partially paralyzed by the ordeal.

Most is being treated at Tahoe Pacific and the fight continues, according to friend Tina Alaniz.

"She's strong and she has a lot of spirit," Alaniz said. "She has a lot of people and friends behind her and that's what keeps her going. We keep pushing her."

She is on a ventilator most of the time and is improving very slowly, but her movement is limited. She can't lift her head. She can speak when she's not on the ventilator, usually 4-6 hours a day, but she's usually exhausted at that point, Alaniz said.

"Megan wanted to come to the event and there was some hope that she could, but there is just no way. She can't sit up to get in the car," Alaniz said. "Like I told her, I don't know what the future holds, but for some reason God wanted you to get through this."

Most's three young daughters are currently living with their father, Garrick Most, in north Reno.

The owners of the Backyard Bar & Grill have donated their restaurant from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, and the wide screen TV will be on so the guys don't have to miss their ball games.

The menu includes spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert for $10 per person. The food has been donated and Megan's friends will be doing the cooking, Alaniz said.

"Megan has lots of friends. We're all chipping in," she said.

In addition to the meal, those who attend will have a chance to bid during a silent auction on several prizes donated by local businesses. Among them, Wally's Hot Springs, Merry Maids, Oak Outlet, Full Circle Compost, Genoa Tree Farms and Grand Central Pizza and Pasta, Alaniz said.

"The response has been amazing," she said.

"Every little bit helps, from a dollar on up," Alaniz said. "We're going to keep going as long as we can to help her out."

Tickets can be purchased at Backroads and will be available at the door. For more information, call Alaniz at 232-1812.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Fundraiser for Megan Most, the Douglas County resident struck by West Nile virus last summer

When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Backroads Bar & Grill, 2244 Meridian Blvd., just off Airport Road in Minden