Ana "Rey" walked into my office when she was in 8th grade, and I have mentored her ever since. She was, and still is, determined to be involved in the community that raised her. Ana is bright, talented, hardworking, full of life, healthy, sensitive, and sassy. She loves Barbie, makeup, getting her nails done, and, most importantly, her parents and friends. Ana is a devoted and loyal friend who is loved just as much as she loves others.

On the morning of Saturday, April 25, the car she was riding in struck a concrete barrier. First responders found her unconscious in the backseat. Of the three people in the car, Ana was the only one who sustained life-altering injuries. She spent three weeks in the Neuro ICU at the University of Chicago, where doctors performed surgery to remove a portion of her skull. Thankfully, she has awakened from her coma.

Ana has suffered serious complications, including pneumonia, fevers, and dangerous heart rate spikes. She is fed through a stomach tube and still has a tracheostomy, though she is breathing on her own. Miraculously, she is awake and has made some progress, but "some" is not enough. She is not yet strong enough to qualify for treatment at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where she could receive life-changing rehabilitation. Before they can admit her, she must be able to respond to cues such as "wiggle your toes," "give us a thumbs up," or simply respond to her name. Until then, this vibrant young woman must remain in a nursing home.

This is where we need your help. The physical therapy she needs is not covered by her insurance. Without these therapies, she may never gain the strength necessary to move into rehabilitation. These treatments are essential for her to relearn basic skills and continue the very promising life she was building. Always independent, Ana was putting herself through college, but there is no financial cushion for an emergency of this magnitude.

She needs her community's help to cover the cost of long-term treatment and care, including home modifications, travel expenses for medical appointments, medical supplies, additional therapies, and so much more. The funds will be used to pay for her therapy on a weekly basis, paying out of pocket directly to the nursing facility. Additional funds will be in a checking account and will be used to help her family get prepared for the retrofitting of the home, pay for any medical bills or expenses and supplies not covered by insurance. Her parents have authorized me to manage funds and make the required payments.

Thank you for helping us bring our Ana back.