A benefit roping was held Thursday night at the Roosevelt County Fair, New Mexico, for 2-year-old Melrose resident Eliza Dodd, who was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS is an E. coli-related infection that involves loss of motor skills and kidney problems. Dodd arrived home from a 45-day stint at the children’s hospital in Fort Worth about two weeks before the benefit roping.

Event coordinator and roper Jarryd Burris said the event was an incredible success.

“It was excellent to make a significant difference in the lives of a really great family,” Burris said.

The event had over 300 teams, and between the stray gathering won by Jacob and Wesley Gudgell and the team roping, the event collected over $10,000 in donations for the family for medical costs. This surpassed Burris’ original goal of $6,000.

“We are hoping that amount should take the pressure off,” Burris said.

Eliza must receive soliris infusions every two weeks in Lubbock as well as take up to six medications a day.

She is still experiencing extreme fatigue, stomach issues and low kidney function, said Jana, but she has regained the majority of her motor function, speech and brain activity.

 “It is our Christian duty to help those in need,” Price’s daughter Mindy Oder said. “It’s the concept of doing unto others what you would have done unto you.”