By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Those who know Erica Liechty will tell you she is a very private person. They will also tell you that she has a remarkable spirit.
The 24-year-old mother of two miraculously survived after receiving gunshot wounds to her back and face Aug. 10 by her estranged husband.

After being air-lifted to the hospital following the August attack, she underwent surgery to begin reconstruction of her palate, tongue, and mouth and repair of her severed jaw. The following week, she had surgery to remove bullet fragments from her back that bruised her spine and affected several nerves.
After six weeks of hospitalization, she was released, but still receives outpatient treatments.
At least for the time being, she is confined to a wheelchair. Her father, Brian Liechty, believes she will be able to walk again.
“She does not want to be in a wheelchair. There’s no doubt she will walk again,” he said. “She’s not comfortable in needing. She’s not comfortable in asking.”
On Oct. 12, Erica held a birthday party for her son Logan, 4, and smiled as her 2-year–old Lilah handed him his presents. She also beamed as she fed her nephew, Carter, just 9 weeks old.
Erica and her children are staying at the home of her father. Her mother, Harriet Thompson, and sister Jessica Beatty, are helping with her care for her children.
Brian Liechty said the family has been overwhelmed with the support shown by the community.
Although she carried health insurance that will cover a substantial part of her medical bills, insurance will not cover everything.
Her cousin, Mark Cultice, along with other friends, has planned a benefit “pub crawl” for Erica on October 18. Cultice said, “I’m in the wine business. It’s what I know that I can do.” The event will feature wine tasting, hor d’oeuvres, and a silent auction at The Vine, The Brass Rail and Opie’s in Plymouth. Cultice said, “It’s a little bit of fun and a celebration as well.”
Michelle Miller has been organizing the silent auction. Miller said, “Erica is an awesome and amazing person.”
True to Erica’s nature, she was reluctant at first to agree to the event. She has requested that the first 10 percent of the proceeds be donated to the Heminger House, Plymouth’s facility to house victims of domestic violence in Marshall County.
The event will be on October 18 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Those interested in donating items for the silent auction should contact Miller at 574-298-5870. Additional information can be obtained by emailing letscrawl @yahoo.com.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting Mark Cultice at 574-383-3333 or at the door.