On 17 March 2016, 17 year old Angeleen Somoza, an aspiring animal biologist, was the victim of a hit and run. She was in the crosswalk, just half a block from home, when she was hit. Eyewitness reports suggest it was intentional. The driver hit her, and then backed up, running over her again. He hit her for a third time as he fled the scene. As I write this, neither the vehicle nor the driver has been found.

Angeleen was transported to the hospital in critical condition with life threatening injuries. She underwent emergency surgery to remove her ruptured spleen and her appendix. One of her kidneys was also damaged. At this writing, it is unknown if the kidney will survive or if it will have to be removed due to the arteries being severed. She suffered two collapsed lungs, both shoulder blades are fractured, a fractured clavicle, fractures to all vertebrae from mid back through lower back, and 13 rib fractures.

 The medical bills are mounting and will continue to with future doctor’s appointments, intensive physical therapy, and possible future surgeries.

 This bright, wonderful, and loving girl, along with her sisters are the closest I have had to children of my own. Her family is asking for your kind and generous help. Angeleen, her 13 year old twin sisters, and her mother moved to Tucson just weeks ago. Her mother suffered a devastating assault five years ago which left her unable to work, they do not have insurance that will cover the massive bills from this crime.

 Lo, as she is affectionatly called, is a Junior in High School but was scheduled to graduate in May of this year. Her dream is to pursue a career in animal biology. She is a very intelligent young woman and a two sport athlete with a heart of gold. This is a life changing event that she did not ask for and is through no fault of her own. We are asking for your much needed help to get her back on that road and to live the brightest future she can imagine.

 For those of you that are reading this and live in the Tucson, Az area, we are asking for some extra help. Please be on the lookout for a newer silver Toyota FJ Cruiser with a white top. There will be damage to the passenger side front area and the passenger side wheel well area. The driver is described as a white male in his 30s or 40s, with medium length brown hair and clean shaven. If you see this vehicle, please call the Tucson Police Department at [phone redacted]. Ask for Detective Munoz and give the case number 1603170251.

Thank you for your help, you are doing so much more then helping with bills, you are helping to restore the trust in human decency that was shatter just moments after the above photo was taken.