After more than a month in Valley View Hospital following a multiple-car accident on Interstate 70 in late January, Dawn Ryden, of New Castle, is home and recuperating.

Ryden suffered a broken tailbone, fractured pelvis, a cracked sternum and bruised legs in the Jan. 29 accident between New Castle and Silt. One car struck an elk and two others swerved to avoid the carcass in the middle of the road. Ryden had gotten out of her car and was walking alongside the road when she was struck by the third vehicle.

A fundraising benefit will take place from 2-8 p.m. today at Butch's Smokehouse and Sports Bar in West Glenwood, Ryden's employer prior to the accident, to help defray the estimated $100,000 in medical bills.

Now home, she is walking with the assistance of a cane, crutches and a walker and is going to physical therapy three times a week.

"I have good days and bad days," she said. "I'm walking, but I'm not moving very fast."

The benefit will include a Mexican buffet, a silent auction, live music at 4 p.m. and a Texas Hold 'em poker game at 6 p.m.

"I'll be there from about 4 to 6 p.m.," Ryden said. "I can't go out for more than two hours at time."

Ryden's recovery time is expected to be at least six months.

There is a $5 cover charge at the benefit, which will go towards helping Ryden and her husband, Conrad, pay the medical costs.

An account has also been set up to help the Rydens at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations may be made at any branch.