SHELL ROCK -- He spent two years building and painting the chopper. Motorcycles were Marty Monaghan's passion.

But as soon as Monaghan can get out of the hospital, the husband and father intends to turn his attention to other important parts of his life.

"To hug my kids and to be there for my family and friends and not have work such a priority," Monaghan says.

The Shell Rock resident suffered injuries during a motorcycle accident Sept. 21. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a car turned in front of Monaghan while he was driving west on County Road C33 in Butler County.

Monaghan was not wearing a helmet and was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He recently moved to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Doctors amputated Monaghan's left leg below the knee. On Friday, he will undergo another procedure, an effort to save his right leg, according to his wife, Jen. Doctors will attempt to attach a muscle flap to his heel, she said.

Monaghan also broke a lumbar disc in his back and suffered broken fingers and multiple bruises.

"He is thankful to be alive and praises the Lord," Jen said.

On Saturday, Jen's former co-workers will throw a benefit for the Monaghan family. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1300 Fourth St. NW, in Waverly. Organizer Karen Lampe and several friends wanted to do something to help.

"They have a long road ahead of them," Lampe said.

The event will include a raffle of more than $800 in prizes. A live auction for $3,500 in goods will begin at 8 p.m. The band Crackin' Wise also will perform.

Big Bear Choppers of California, Orange County Choppers of New York and Harley-Davidson dealers also are contributing to the benefit, Lampe said, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funds.

Monaghan, a laborer at Nestle Beverage, and Jen, an administrative assistant for Taylor Physical Therapy Associates, have not worked since the accident. Monaghan expects she won't be able to return to work until her husband comes home, which may not be for several more weeks.

"Just a lot of financial needs right now," Jen said.

Monaghan grew up in Plainfield, Jen in Waverly. The couple recently built a house in Shell Rock. Their family includes two sons, Skyler, 11, and Cameron, 7.

Jen and the boys plan to attend Saturday's fundraiser. Monaghan will remain in Rochester to recover from the planned surgery. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

"I shouldn't be alive right now, so I believe it was a miracle and that, I guess, God wasn't ready for me to die yet," he said.

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or

karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.