Family and friends came together Saturday at the West Penn Rod & Gun Club in Clamtown during a spaghetti dinner and comedy show benefit to help Gary Zehner and his family with medical bills following a brain stem stroke he suffered last year. Family said that doctors told him that his quality of life would not improve and that he would remain on a ventilator, feeding tube and would never walk again. Zehner is still fighting to recover from the injury. Family was by his side during his recovery.

Shawn Zehner, son, stated it was great to see his father learn to speak, eat and walk again. Shawn added, "Doctors say it was a miraculous recovery."In addition to this tragedy, almost 20 years ago, Zehner, was the victim of another horrific work accident at Penn Steel in Hamburg. Two thousand pounds of work material broke loose and hit him on the head. His back, eight ribs and both lower legs were broken. He was paralyzed from the waist down and told he would never walk again. Shawn Zehner, said, "After extensive rehab at Good Shepard, Gary was eventually able to walk again and live somewhat a normal life." Shawn added, "Due to both injuries, on a daily basis, Gary experiences pain, spasms, discomfort and ulcers."Family members stated their love for Jeannie, Gary's wife, who has been very helpful through all this. Holding a nursing background, Jeannie stays at home with Gary and takes him to all his appointments. Family members pointed out that Jeannie she may lose her job. In addition, they are paying an astronomical amount for their health insurance.Gary, who has been married to Jeannie for 19 years, has three children, Shawn, Karen and Lisa; all of which point out their father's strong determination to live a normal life.Family members stressed their appreciation to the West Penn Rod and Gun Club, comedians Mike Fortino, Tyler Rothrock and Randy Tonge, Rock-n-Horse band and the hundreds of volunteers and supporters that came out to help Gary. Gary's brother Terry Zehner said, "With the help of family and and friends we can offset some of the cost of the enormous expenses of their health insurances.