Experience better than pageant crown

On Aug. 16, after a game of golf at a Rock Springs tournament, Danny Collins and his golfing buddies were driving along in a golf cart when a strong gust of wind came up.

This is not out of the ordinary, but this gust of wind changed everything for Collins.

The wind blew the driver's hat off. In response, the driver swerved to get the hat. This reaction caused Collins, who was a passenger, to fall out of the golf cart.

Collins hit his head hard on the asphalt.

Shannon Selway, family friend, said he was then transported to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County where he was later flown to the University of Utah Hospital Trauma Center, where he has remained since.

"It was really hard on his wife," Selway said. "She couldn't even get on Life Flight."

Collins was in the Intensive Care Unit for 12 days.

"It was really touch and go there," she said. "It had to be heartbreaking and very difficult."

Collins' wife, Karie, has been staying in Salt Lake City to be close to her husband.

Selway said she recently found out that Collins was able to have the feeding tube and all other tubes taken out.

Family and friends are excited about how far Collins has come already.

"He is awake fortunately. Thank God his memory is being restored," Collins said.

A big fear of the family was that his head injury would cause some memory loss.

Selway remains optimistic.

"I get a good story of his improvement happening every day," she said.

Collins and his wife have four children Kelly Collins, Tracee Munoz, Heidi Collins and John Collins. All, but Kelly, live in Green River.

Collins said some may know Danny because he has coached baseball for the Green River Little League and American Legion. When he is not coaching, he often volunteers to referee the high school football games or plays pool on the Sweetwater Pool League.

Since Karie is still in Salt Lake City, family and friends have been busy working hard to put together a raffle.

Selway said they have managed to have some pretty big raffle prizes donated to them already, including a "Dakota Price -- Mule Deer" print by Michael Siece, a savage 243 Winchester youth riffle, a pair of hand-made bar stools by Todd Peterson, 12 new decoy ducks with bag, a gift certificate to Hart and Flowers Embroidery and CAT hoodies.

She said she expects more raffle prizes to be added daily. Tickets cost $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20.

The drawing will take place Oct. 31 and all proceeds will go to the family to help pay for travel and living expenses accumulating while Collins is still in Salt Lake City.

"It's incredibly expensive," she said.

Money donations can also be made at Trona Valley Federal Credit Union under the account called FBO Danny Collins.

Those who would like to make raffle donations can contact Selway. Selway is hoping the community will give to someone who has volunteered so much of his time to it.