My name is Jessica, and I'm organizing this fundraiser for my best friend, Lacy. If you've ever had the privilege of knowing Lacy, you know she is one of the sweetest, kindest, most free-spirited souls you will ever meet. She's the kind of person who would much rather be helping someone else than asking for help herself.

That's what makes writing this so hard.

In June, Lacy was hit by a truck while crossing a crosswalk. The accident caused a devastating injury to her foot and ankle - her heel bone was forced through her ankle bone, requiring surgery to repair and reattach it.

What we hoped would be the beginning of her recovery has instead become months of unimaginable setbacks.

Lacy knew something wasn't right after surgery and raised concerns during multiple follow-up visits, but she was repeatedly reassured that everything looked okay. She ultimately ended up back in the hospital, where doctors discovered a severe staph infection in the bone and surrounding tissue. The infection had progressed to the point that her heel bone had died and could not be saved. It had to be removed. It's difficult to imagine how anyone processes something like that.

After everything she had already endured, Lacy is now facing more pain, procedures, uncertainty, and a difficult recovery while doctors work to get this serious infection under control. Financially, her resources have run out.

The insurance money available from the accident barely covered the medical expenses and legal fees she had already incurred. She is now facing another wave of hospital bills, treatment, medications and recovery expenses and she does not have health insurance.

Lacy is a cosmetologist and bartender, both of which require her to be on her feet. Right now, she cannot stand for long periods or drive to work, leaving her without her normal income and no clear timeline for when she can return.

Anyone who knows Lacy knows asking for help is one of the hardest things for her to do. So I'm asking for her.

Donations will help Lacy with medical expenses, treatment and medications, rehabilitation, transportation, and basic living expenses while she fights this infection and focuses on healing. No amount is too small, and if you aren't able to donate, please share her story.

There is another way you may be able to help. Lacy desperately wants to work and has previous medical office assistant experience. She is looking for a primarily seated office position in the Denver area, especially in a dental, optometry, ophthalmology, or similar medical office. If you know someone who is hiring, please reach out. A job lead or introduction could make an incredible difference.

Lacy has spent so much of her life being a bright spot for the people around her. Right now, she needs us to be that bright spot for her. ❤️.