Shauna Martinez realized Sunday that many of the people she’s helped as a registered nurse are now coming to the rescue in a health crisis.

According to an aunt, Pauline Mejia of St. Joseph, Mrs. Martinez became paralyzed from the breastbone down stemming from an episode of numbness that occurred in July.

Consequential swelling that entered into her spine led to visits to St. Luke’s hospitals in the Kansas City area — including the Smithville facility where she worked — and eventually the Mayo Clinic. It totaled 54 days of hospitalization.

“Now she’s paralyzed for the rest of her life,” Ms. Mejia said.

Labeling themselves as “Team Shauna” and donning specially emblazoned pink shirts, family and friends from Smithville and St. Joseph organized a benefit dinner and auction hosted by the Guardado family — of which Mrs. Martinez is an extended member. There are 17 immediate aunts and uncles just in St. Joseph.

The events were held at the Eagles Lodge on the North Belt Highway. The benefit raised funds to help defray such medical costs as the $11,000 trip to the Mayo Clinic and a retrofit of the Smithville house she shares with her husband, Tony, Ms. Mejia said.

Appearing Sunday afternoon during the program, Mrs. Martinez thanked hundreds of visitors for their generous support.

“Oh my gosh, this is, like, amazing,” said the 54-year-old mother of two sons, Darin and Casey. “I’m truly blessed.”

Her health care career has spanned more than 30 years and features numerous illustrations of how she’s helped patients in need.

“We’re hoping a miracle will happen down the road,” Ms. Mejia said. “She’s got a lot of religion in her.”

The meal included combo platters of tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican food. Diners also enjoyed musical entertainment, karaoke and the chance to bid on various silent and live auction items. A number of local and area businesses provided merchandise for the benefit.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.