Help Vera Retire for Her 85th Birthday

Meet Vera, a beloved 84-year-old (soon to be 85) who has been a warm, familiar face at Ralphs Market for years. Her dedication, strength, and kind spirit have touched so many in our community. On June 7th, Vera turns 85 and all she wants for her birthday is something she’s more than earned: retirement.

Vera's story is one of resilience - both inspiring and heart-wrenching. She has worked tirelessly well into her 80s, never complaining, always showing up with a smile. But recently, she’s faced some serious setbacks.

On Christmas Day, after finishing a late shift at Ralphs, she tripped over a parking lot bumper and suffered a devastating fall. She broke her elbow, injured her ribs and back, and her teeth went through her front lip. Instead of celebrating the holiday, she spent it in the hospital recovering from painful injuries.

But that didn’t stop Vera. After major elbow surgery — which required screws and pins — she returned to work. Even as she continued physical therapy, she was back on her feet, working six days a week. Not long after, she fell again, this time injuring her wrists and her face. Still, Vera keeps going.

Now, we want to give something back to Vera. Whether you give $5 or $500, every bit helps us move closer to giving her the retirement, healing, and peace she deserves.

She dreams of retiring — of finally resting after a lifetime of hard work and recent hardship. Let’s come together to make that dream a reality. If we all chip in, we can give Vera the best birthday gift ever: the comfort and peace she so deeply deserves. After years of dedication and service, she deserves to enjoy her golden years.

Let’s do this for Vera. Let’s give her the retirement and recovery she truly deserves.

Our Goal: Raise enough to help Vera retire and cover the medical expenses her insurance won’t. No contribution is too small. Every dollar helps bring us closer to giving Vera the retirement she’s earned.

Where the Funds Will Go: Our fundraising goal is to cover two primary areas of need, one is Retirement Relief To give Vera the financial support to stop working and finally enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Secondly, to help cover her basic living expenses (rent, utilities, food) so she can step away from her job without stress. Medical Expenses and Recovery Support to Help pay off medical bills from her multiple ER visits, surgeries, and hospital stays. Her Funds ongoing physical therapy, chiropractic care, dental work, and other rehabilitation needs.

Cover out-of-pocket costs for follow-up appointments, mobility aids, and treatments not covered by Medicare or her insurance plan. Also, to Assist with transportation to and from doctor’s visits and therapy sessions.

Background: My name is Sabrina Reese, and I’ve had the joy and honor of knowing Vera through our community. I launched this campaign to support her in reaching her dream of retirement and to help cover medical costs that her insurance doesn’t fully support.

How the funds will be delivered: I will be personally managing the funds raised. Every penny will be accounted for and directed to support Vera’s well-being, both physically and financially.

I will withdraw the funds and either Pay Vera’s medical bills directly (where possible), or Transfer the money to Vera so she can use it for retirement and treatment expenses.

We plan to present the full amount to her by June 7th — her 85th birthday, so she can begin this new chapter with peace of mind. I’ll also share updates with donors about Vera’s progress and how your generosity is directly helping her. I will be filming handing Vera the funds we have raised and posting it to my Vera series on TIKTOK.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward improving Vera’s quality of life — ensuring she gets the medical care she needs and the rest she’s earned.

Let’s make this happen — for Vera. THANK YOU TO ALL OF VERAS'S ANGELS MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!