Kamrey Leiser with Dr. Eric R. Scaife, M.D. in a photo taken during Kamrey’s checkup on Sept. 28-29. Kamrey’s mom, Nicole, says he is the “surgeon who saved her life.” Scaife specializes in Pediatric Trama Surgery at the Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. (Courtesy photo)
SHEPHERD — A “Lift Up the Leisers” fundraiser is planned Oct. 16 to help the Leiser family with medical expenses after their 10-year-old daughter, Kamrey, was injured in a rockslide in June.
The benefit will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m. at the Vermilion Ranch 4419 Vermilion Road in Shepherd.
Tickets cost $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance by calling Becky Anderson at 406-839-7438.
The day begins with a silent auction and various kids’ activities. At 4 p.m., dinner will be served by Cowboys restaurant in Huntley with the support of Yellowstone County Barbecue Co.
A live auction follows dinner with an array of items, including an autographed saddle from PRCA world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile, a “Prairie Song” painting donated by Montana artist Kira Fercho, a golf package to courses in Billings and the surrounding area, a destination trip, dinner for six at the High Horse Saloon and Eatery and a furniture piece donated by Brandon Roth at Rothschild Antiques.
Popular local band Bucky Beaver Ground Grippers will wrap up the evening with live music.
Montana gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte plans to attend.
Funds from the family-friendly event will help the Leiser family offset some of the significant expense incurred during Kamrey’s fight to survive and now during her inspiring recovery.
People who plan to attend may RSVP by calling or texting Anderson at 406-839-7438 or Facebook at Lift Up The Leisers #Kamtough.
Anyone who would like to donate to the Leiser family may write a check payable to Kamrey’s father, Brian Leiser, and mail it c/o Bryan Anderson, 8450 Clark Road, Shepherd, MT 59079.
Kamrey Leiser suffered severe injuries in a June 11 rockslide while hiking with her family south of Big Timber.
She was rushed to the Big Timber hospital and then air lifted to St. Vincent Healthcare. Doctors initially diagnosed a lacerated liver, multiple pelvis fractures and lacerations to both thighs. Within a few days, a CT scan led to emergency surgery, where doctors found that Kamrey had suffered severe internal damage. She was immediately transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. The following day, doctors discovered that Kamrey’s abdomen was full of infection, which progressed into septic shock. Now, with her family by her side, Kamrey bravely fought to survive.
Kamrey Leiser wearing her awarded “Hero” T-shirt and award from her many surgeries.
Finally, in late August, after 42 days in pediatric ICU and 24 days on the pediatric unit, Kamrey was able to return home in time to start fifth grade at Shepherd Elementary with her friends. Kamrey has had to relearn how to eat, talk and walk. She continues with speech, occupational and physical therapies. Doctors expect Kamrey’s recovery to take approximately one year.
