A Chatham worker injured in a greenhouse accident in Chatham last month is getting ready for her rehabilitation.
Natasha Smids, 20, of Chatham was critically injured in an industrial accident at Truly Green Farms in Chatham on January 6, 2020 and was in an induced coma for a while in a London hospital. Her family is choosing to keep the nature of her injuries and the length of her rehab private but said she is getting ready to be transferred from Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to Parkwood Institute, a rehabilitation hospital in London.
Family and friends will hold a fundraiser for Natasha on Saturday night at the Ultimate Sports Bar on St. Clair Street in Chatham. Organizer Carla Rodrigues, who knows the family, said three bands will be playing and patrons can donate at the door.
"When we heard about the accident we wanted to help out the family. So, we put our heads together and my husband is in a band, Dirt Country, and he said let me talk to the guys and we got that rolling," said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues is hoping to get a good turnout to help Natasha.
"They can come earlier and have a bite to eat and just enjoy the night. There will be Dirt Country and two other bands that are donating their time. Yeah, we're hoping for a fantastic night, it'll be fun," she added.
Rodrigues said she and her daughter know Natasha's brother Mitch and added the family is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
"I believe in miracles and I'm praying for a miracle for her. From what I know about Natasha she's a really high-spirited person, she's very positive, very loving and the family is the same way. That in itself will help her a lot," Rodrigues said.
Dirt Country, Hired Hand, and Robinson Road Revival are the live country and rock music entertainment on Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m. Rodrigues said the Ultimate Sports Bar is also kicking in a portion of the beer sales to help with Natasha's recovery.