Family, friends bet on Bedard

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Alexandra Bedard and her father, Marc, attend Friday night's Texas Hold'em benefit for the York 23-year-old, who suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a 2011 motorcycle crash.Molly McPherson photo

YORK, Maine The American Legion Post 56 was flush with nearly 50 serious Texas Hold'em poker players who were participating in a tournament to help raise funds for a young York mother's treatment for a serious spinal injury.

Alexandra Bedard, 23, who was paralyzed in 2011 after she was involved in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, needs to eventually raise more than $100,000 to continue her therapy at Project Walk, a spinal cord injury recovery center in Carlsbad, Calif.

Bedard spent 21 days at the center last December to evaluate her injuries and start her treatment plan; however, she was forced to return home prematurely due to lack of funds.

By combining Friday night's proceeds with the $22,000 previously raised, Captain Gary Woods of the York Beach Fire Department said it would be possible for Bedard to continue her treatment as soon as February. Woods, a family friend who is leading the fund-raising efforts on behalf of the former York Beach Junior Firefighter, said it was a large group of friends who came together to help Bedard get back to Project Walk.

"If there's a slight chance we can help Alex walk again, then my God how could we not help out in any way we can?" Woods said. "Without the funds, there is absolutely no chance for her to walk again."

The ex-roller derby player was told by her therapists at Project Walk that they believed with hard work she could walk again; however, Bedard knows the specialized care at Project Walk would help her achieve her goal of walking with leg braces much quicker.

"I think it's amazing to live in a small community because I don't personally know everyone here, but the fact that they're here that's pretty cool," she said at Friday night's event.

Bedard's father, Marc, 57, said his daughter's accident was devastating to the family, but added her motivation has been inspirational.

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Family, friends bet on Bedard