In honor of Deborah McMichael, a dedicated certified nursing assistant of 30 years at local retirement community Horizon House, a benefit fund will be hosted in her honor after she lost a leg due to critical medical problems and diabetes.

“Two years ago when I had my first amputation, they put a benefit on for me then to help with my prosthetic costs, and they’re kind of doing the same thing again,” McMichael said.

In late May 2007, doctors recommended McMichael’s right leg be amputated, shortly after she recovered and returned back to work full time with one prosthetic leg.

However, on March 10 of this year her remaining leg was amputated below the knee, co-worker Daniel Myo said.

“Because of her recent crisis, she needed all the emotional support which friends, co-workers, and others can give her,” he said.

Due to her recent surgeries, McMichael was in need of financial help because the costs of hospitalization, doctors and rehabilitation was beyond her available resources, Myo added.

To help with these costs, a benefit fund with live music will be held Aug. 8 at St. Luke Episcopal Church in Ballard hosted by McMichael’s family, friends, co-workers and musicians from the Olympic Peninsula area.

“I’ve had a lot of support and my husband has been my main support also,” McMichael said. “I think for me it (the benefit) is a chance for me to say thank you to everybody that’s been there for me.”

McMichael recognized that it’s great to have help with the cost of everything but ultimately the benefit is a chance for her to be able to say thank you, she said.

The event will take place between 1 p.m. at 4 p.m. at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 5710 22nd Ave. N.W.