By Terra Avilla
Oh, Lassen County, how do I even begin to express the emotions swirling in my heart? Just a few weeks ago, we lost our friend Nicole Addicott in a tragic accident that left her beautiful 10-year-old daughter, Ryan Wright, badly hurt. The news hit us like a punch to the gut, leaving all of us breathless and aching, even those that didn’t personally know Ryan or Nicole… were hurting. And all of you responded.
Something truly magical unfolded before my eyes and I want to share it with you. Our community, led by the angel-hearted Kerissa Schall, came together in a way that literally brings tears to my eyes. In just 8 short days, we witnessed a miracle of love and compassion that moved mountains for little Ryan.
I’ll never forget walking into Diamond Mountain Casino, my heart heavy with worry, only to find Jaime Edeaoch and Davon Joseph there. Without me really having to say anything, in a heartbeat, they had literally set up the venue, a plan and hope.
Kerissa had the same experience when she called SGO to get the food for the dinner. The response- “What do you need? It’s yours.”
Sweet Jaime even offered to help on her day off – that’s the kind of golden hearts we have here.
And our beloved JDX 93.3 – oh, how you’ve shown what it truly means to be the heartbeat of a community. Chris Montgomery, bless him, had me set up with Wollgy within literal seconds and Amanda from Live at Five reached out too, ensuring we hit as wide of an audience as possible to promote this fundraiser.
You folks, you’re the reason we could spread our message of love so far and wide, coupled of course with Lassen News and Susanvillestuff putting out the details for us without hesitation.
Then came the businesses. They poured in like a river of kindness – Blue Ox, Susanville Ford, IGA, Grocery Outlet, Main Street Lube, Walmart, Guess Plumbing, All Season Heating and Air, Diamond View School, Janesville School, Town and Country Real Estate – each one a testament to the generosity that flows through our little town.
My heart swells thinking of how many more there were, too numerous to name but each one precious!
And the people, oh the wonderful people of Lassen County. Ben Moore, Bob Raschein, Mendy Shuster, Kyle Bare (again just to name a few!) – they opened their hearts and their wallets.
The Northern Nevada Cancer Association, Lassen Youth Football and Lassen Youth Soccer also showing up in large numbers! The love for this family… it’s like a warm blanket on the coldest night.
On that rainy day of the spaghetti feed, Janesville School MADE AND SERVED up desserts that tasted like home and comfort. And oh… our sweet, sweet volunteers – Meegan, Jim, Niki, Amber, Jaime, Julie, Shantell, Glen, Paige – they were like little angels that just showed up, to do literally whatever I or Kerissa asked them to do.
AND to everyone who came – thank you for braving the bad weather to show the Wright family that in Lassen County, no one stands alone in the storm. And the Wrights, bless them, they’re overwhelmed by all of the love and support.
And of course, I need to mention my sweet friend Kerissa Schall… this earth angel, carrying her own burdens, still found the strength to lift up another family. She’s the embodiment of everything that makes our community so special.
As I sit here, trying to put into words what this all means, I find myself choking up.
The tragedy we’ve faced is heart-wrenching, there’s no denying that. But the way our community has rallied? This, my friends, is why we love this place. This is the essence of Lassen County.
We don’t just talk about community – We live it. We breathe it. When I walked into that banquet room and saw raffle item after raffle item, when I read text after text from people offering to help, buy tickets – I was just in awe.
I’ve never been more proud, more touched, more in love with this place we call home. Lassen County, you’ve shown once again that your heart is as big as the mountains that surround us. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
On behalf of the entire Wright Family — (And little RYAN) THANK YOU!
