We’re here on behalf of our dear, dear friends Billy Mac and Merrilee Rush. (Note: This was initiated by Rusty Williams and Roxanne Moening and we are deeply grateful to them and to Connie Lehmen for managing the GoFundMe.)

Many of you can remember the song Angel of the Morning. Yes, she’s THAT Merrilee Rush - the one who has given us so much joy, so much of her life to her audiences (and to the animal world, including her beloved Old English Sheepdogs).

On June 24th of this year, Merrilee took a terrible fall backwards and downhill in a parking lot onto her skull. The result was a traumatic brain injury. This included severe bleeding on the brain - what’s known as a subdural hematoma.

Merrilee has now had four surgeries, but she remains hospitalized and will need more medical care. What insurance she had has covered things up to now, but more finances will be needed.

So we are starting this GoFundMe page to try and cover the ongoing expenses.

This girl has given us so much. We know that there are a lot of friends and fans that would like to help, and this is just the best way to do it.

Please give whatever you can afford. Billy and Merrilee will know who you are, and you can be sure that your love and generosity will be long remembered.

Merrilee has been an “Angel” in our lives. Perhaps this is our chance to be one in hers.

Update: Merrilee was moved from ICU to Progressive Care and has now been transferred to the Acute Physical Therapy Unit in which she is receiving both physical and cognitive therapy. She is in her fourth week of hospitalization but her spirits remain upbeat. (What else would you expect from Merrilee?)

Further update: Merrilee has been discharged from the hospital and is resting comfortably at home. This week she begins Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy from The Evergreen Home Health Care Unit.

Merrilee has been made aware of this effort and is genuinely moved and deeply grateful. The current prognosis is for 3-6 months of continued treatment at home,

You have all made a real difference, thank you.