On Aug. 2, the Emmaus Veterans of Foreign Wars held a benefit event, complete with a Chinese auction, DJ and food, to raise funds for former Coplay resident Jennifer Dietrich, as well as help raise awareness of the tragic accident that nearly took Dietrich's life Jan. 20.

Dietrich was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident the evening of Jan. 20 as she was crossing Route 873 in Schnecksville after completing her shift at the McDonald's Restaurant.

She spent four months in the hospital, where she underwent 42 surgeries to repair her back, left leg and bladder and various skin graft procedures. She also spent one month in Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.

The driver of the vehicle believed to be a 1998-2000 Ford Ranger with yellow or orange stripes and an Erlich logo on the side panel, still has not been located.

Currently, Dietrich is recuperating at home in Hamburg with her mother Dolores Miller. A nurse attends to Dietrich twice a week at the home where she also undergoes physical and occupational therapy.

Miller said her friend Pam Fenstermaker, who works as a bartender at the Emmaus VFW, and a few others led the effort to put the event together.

"There were two or three people working together on it," Miller said, who also works as a bartender at the Emmaus Fire Co. #1.

"They just asked when it would be good to have it."

Funds raised from the event will be used to provide home care services and needed items for Dietrich.

According to Miller, the event garnered roughly 90 donations consisting of gift baskets and gift cards.

"I was thrilled," Miller said. "I couldn't believe it. Everybody was very generous."

Miller said despite the serious nature of her daughter's injuries, she is progressing.

"It's a tough, long road," she said. "She's coming along at home."

Although the road to recovery may be a long one for Dietrich, Miller remains grateful she still has her daughter in her life.

"They [doctors] said it's amazing she's alive," Miller said. "They can't believe she's come this far."

A GoFundMe site has been set up for Dietrich.The website address is http:// www.gofundme. com/lan468.