Virginia Tech's Monogram Club, in conjunction with the women's basketball team, has stepped to the forefront in the effort to help women's basketball player Rayna DuBose.

DuBose contracted a debilitating form of bacterial meningitis in early April. She was unconscious for well over a week and hooked up to both a dialysis machine and a respirator. DuBose regained consciousness but then faced a series of surgeries that forced doctors to amputate both hands and both feet.

With the road to recovery just beginning, a fund has been established for the purpose of helping alleviate some of the financial strain the family might face in the future.

The NCAA makes allowances for such funds under bylaw 16.4.1.e. Under state guidelines, the Monogram Club was the most acceptable avenue for the funds to be collected because it is a student organization.

NCAA Bylaw 16.4.1.e   "Special individual expenses resulting from a permanent disability that precludes further athletics participation (are permissible) ... An institution or outside agency, or both, may raise money through donations, benefits or like activities to assist the student-athlete ... All funds secured shall be controlled by the institution, and the money shall be used exclusively to meet these expenses."

Perhaps the best aspect of this fund is that one generous member of the Hardwood Club, the fan organization devoted to Tech's women's basketball team, has agreed to match up to $50,000 from other Hardwood Club members. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, will let the challenge to the other 400 Hardwood Club members stand for one year.

"I was fortunate enough to meet her last season and I was so impressed with her," the contributor said. "She was an 18-year old kid who was so bright-eyed...my heart really goes out to her and her family."

Those wishing to make contributions should be aware of the following:

• The contributions are not tax-deductible
• The contributions will not count towards Hokie Club credit
• There is no minimum or maximum limit on the amount given
• Any monies collected will go toward paying medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Checks should be made out to Treasurer, Virginia Tech. In the memo or note section of the check please write MC, Rayna DuBose.
• Hardwood Club members should either write MC/HC Rayna DuBose on the memo line of the check or attach a note indicating that they are Hardwood Club members so that the match can be applied.
• Checks should be mailed to:
  Rayna DuBose Fund
  C/O Monogram Club
  353 Jamerson Athletics Center
  Blacksburg, VA 24061-0502
  

As stated in the NCAA rule, the fund can not go directly to the family, but can cover co-payments, physical therapy sessions or any medical equipment not covered by insurance. As expenses arise, the account will be billed.

"I know they are going to put a lift in the house," head coach Bonnie Henrickson said. "There is also the potential for wheelchairs, but it all depends on what's not covered by insurance."

There has also been some talk of prosthetics, but nothing definite yet.

DuBose has shown great improvement in recent weeks, so much so that she entertained some of her teammates in her hospital room.

"She was a little hesitant at first, but I reassured her that no one cared what she looked like, they were just there to say how much they missed her and that they loved her," Henrickson said.

DuBose will probably be released during the week of July 8-12, at which point she will enter a rehab facility.

The Monogram Club and the women's basketball team hope that any individuals who are able, particularly those in the Hardwood Club, find it in their heart to help with what are sure to be numerous expenses over the next few years.