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By Heather Nyberg-Schlotzhauer

Beacon Correspondent

Ten-year old Jessi Shinn was injured on July 4 from a tragic fireworks accident that left her with a severely damaged right hand. Jessi has been receiving treatment at California Pacific Medical Center where she just returned home from on Sunday, July 25. She will continue to receive treatment for her injuries and is keeping a positive attitude about her future. Several fundraisers are taking place over the next week for Jessi.

The community has shown the depth of it's' heart through the ongoing support and organizing of events to benefit Jessi Shinn in her recovery. This type of injury will go on for quite some time and the medical treatment is extensive causing large medical bills for the family. For Jessi, one of the challenges is learning how to be left-handed instead of right.

Those who know Jessi have no doubt she will conquer this challenge just as she has risen above every other. You have only to look at the bright smile, crinkle button nosed, vibrant little gymnast and cheerleader to know you want to be involved in helping Jessi rise above this tragedy. That is exactly what Healthsport Fortuna is doing on behalf of Jessi and her family.

HealthSPORT Fortuna is having Cartwheels for Jessi fundraiser on Saturday, July 31 from 2 to 9 p.m. and so long as Jessi stays healthy she will be there to greet the wonderful people who are doing so much to help her.

Shawna Bryant, manager at Healthsport Fortuna, remarked, “Jessi plans on attending and if she is feeling up to it will be giving a speech to those who have shown her so much love and support. She is nervous, but will try.”

The HealthSPORT fundraiser is having a Cartwheel-a-thon from 2 to 4 p.m. Pledge and donation sheets are available at HealthSPORT Fortuna and you can set up a time to do your cartwheels to avoid a long wait time. If you don't want to participate you can come watch the event and make a pledge to one of the many cartwheel-a-thon participants. Pledges and donations can also be dropped off or mailed to HealthSPORT, 721 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, CA 95540.

After you get dizzy stick around and take part in the scrumptious tri-tip sandwich meals for sale prepared by the Scotia Inn. Tickets for the tri-tip meals are available at HealthSPORT and the Scotia Inn for $10 and like the Cartwheel-a-thon all the profits will be going to Jessi's Medical fund.

As you are filling your belly with mouth watering treats take a stroll around the auction items. At 4 p.m., Don Brown will be the auctioneer in the live auction where you can make a bid to take home one of the many items donated by local businesses and citizens in support of this active youth. Items range from hair care products, Dinner for 4 at Shamus, a yellow lab puppy, to a load of topsoil. There is something for everyone according to Healthsport manager Shawna Bryant.

Open gym in available on behalf of Jessi from 6 to 9 p.m. for $10 for all 4 to 10 year old children. HealthSPORT will not be accepting passes for this event since 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the extraordinarily strong Jessi Shinn.

submitted photo

Recent photo Jessi Shinn. The 10-year old was severly injured in a workworks incident on July 4 and a fundraiser at Fortuna's HealthSPORT has been set for July 31.