Medical condition prompts fundraiser

A fundraiser is being held today for a Coeur d’Alene woman with a rare medical condition and no health insurance.

Tabatha Gass, 28, has a large Tarlov cyst growing on her spinal cord. The fluid-filled sac hampers her ability to walk and work. She has been unemployed since October. A specialist in the Midwest has agreed to remove the cyst, but Gass will have to pay for the surgery herself.

Daanen’s Deli in Hayden is hosting a spaghetti feed and silent auction today from 4 to 7 p.m. to raise funds for Gass’ surgery. A dinner of spaghetti, salad and bread will be served for a suggested donation of $10 a person. There will be live music by Steven Harris. The silent auction will feature items donated by area merchants, including a pedigreed Australian shepherd puppy.

Daanen’s is located at 8049 Wayne Blvd., in Hayden, near the northeast corner of Government Way and Prairie Avenue.

A fund has been set up through US Bank to collect donations. Contributions can be taken to any branch and directed to “Tabatha’s Surgery Fund.”

For more information on her condition, visit www. tarlovcystfoundation.org.