When Dayton resident Rich May fell and broke his right leg this month during a bird-hunting trip, his family learned how hard it is to a part of America's working uninsured.
They also have seen how supportive a small town can be.
In a close-knit community such as Dayton, which has a population of about 15,000, friends know about May's problem and want to help his family.
May is a construction worker, so can't work now. His wife, Sharon, said that is the worst part because he's such an active man.
May's income has stopped, and he has no medical insurance. When the bill comes, it'll probably be thousands of dollars because he had to visit the emergency room. May is in a boot cast and has six screws above his ankle and a steel plate. His wife doesn't know when he'll be able to work again.
"He's really going crazy," she said Friday. "He can't do anything, and he's a very active man. It's really hard with no income coming in right now. But it has brought us all a lot closer."
The Mays have been married for 22 years - as long as they've lived in Dayton. They have two kids at home still.
May's case isn't so unusual. About 45 million Americans, or 15.6 percent of the population, were without health insurance coverage in 2003, according to the National Coalition on Health Care.
Janice Willhite, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Dayton, said she and several other friends are holding a fundraising barbecue for the May family on Dec. 4.
"He's been such a huge part of the community," she said. "He's done a lot for our community, and it would be nice for us to do something back."
May coached Willhite's three boys in Little League and is the Dayton High School freshman football coach.
Willhite said all the proceeds will benefit the May family.
n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
If you go
What: Fundraiser for Rich May
When: Dec. 4
Where: Dayton Valley Golf Club, 51 Palmer Drive, in the banquet room
details: Smith's is donating the steak and chicken. Proceeds from 9-hole golf that day will go to the May family.
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