Friends rally to help Tom Baia

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 9, 2006

Youngstown resident Tom Baia has been awed by the community support he’s received as he waits for his wife, Elaine, to come out of a medically induced coma at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

The community response is no surprise to those who know him. Since 1968, Baia has served the Lewiston-Porter community as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston. He is a Town of Porter councilman and deputy supervisor. He’s also known for volunteering a helping hand wherever needed.

On Nov. 19, Baia and his son traveled to a Notre Dame football game. When he returned home about 4 a.m., he found Elaine on the basement floor. She was semi-conscious and had a severe head injury. Members of the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. responded to his emergency call and were “wonderful,” he said. Baia, who has helped raise funds for Mercy Flight, found himself using the service as Elaine was taken to ECMC.

“She opened her eyes today,” he said this week. “It’s going to be a long fight, but we’re very optimistic.”

As news of the accident spread in the community, it ignited an outpouring of community response, ranging from Mass cards to a team of volunteers to drive him to the hospital.

“It’s been very heartwarming to me and my family,” Baia said.

Leading the supporters are members of the Kiwanis.

“Kiwanis is a family. That’s what we’re doing is helping family out. When your family’s hurting, you help them out,” said Edward Schieffelin, Kiwanis president.

First an e-mail went out, notifying members of the accident. Another followed, inviting members to 9 a.m. Mass on Nov. 26 at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church in Youngstown, where Baia is a parishioner.

At least 25 Kiwanians joined him at the church, including a retired Lutheran minister, said Baia, who firmly believes in the power of prayer.

Finally, the Kiwanis put together a list of mostly retired members who would be available to drive Baia to and from the hospital, so he wouldn’t have to travel alone at this difficult time.

Heading the approximately 20 members of the “Shuttle Team” is Chuck Stojack. People are volunteering to bring Baia dinners, clean his house and just watch over him, Stojack said.

Any community members interested in joining the Shuttle Team can call Stojack at 754-4423.

“We all have our prayers for Elaine’s recovery. It won’t be a speedy one, but I hope it’s a good one,” Stojack said.