Fundraiser for Carmen Rivera & kids

On her way home from work on Feb 2, 2018, Carmen Rivera was struck by a speeding vehicle while crossing a darkened street.  She sustained multiple fractures to her arms and a head injury from the collision.  Major reconstructive surgery was needed to repair her right arm but it left her with nerve damage to her hand.  To this day, her right hand is totally unresponsive.  She needs additional tests, and likely another surgery, to repair the nerve damage, and is at risk of losing use of the hand forever.  If she is able to find a doctor to perform the surgery (the original doctor is refusing to examine her again due to lack of funds), she will also need physical therapy afterwards.

Carmen has been loyal part of the Mars (McLean) cleaning staff for 4 years and is the daughter of Maria Rivera, who has been part of the Mars cleaning staff for 10 years.  Since Carmen and her mom work on a part-time basis for an outside contractor, they have no medical insurance coverage.  The driver's auto insurance policy also rejected the claim citing contributory responsibility (i.e., she wasn't in the crosswalk).  The driver was also recently contacted directly on behalf of Carmen, but refused any help whatsoever. 

Carmen is out of the hospital, but is struggling to recover and is unable to work.  She is the sole parent and provider for two daughters, Michelle (4) and Adriana (12).  Though she has no money, she has received medical bills totaling more than $160,000 to date.  More important than past bills, she needs help now to get the tests and treatment to repair the nerve damage in her hand before it's too late.

Please look into your heart and give what you can, large or small, to help Carmen and her family.  Every little bit helps and is very meaningful to them.  

Thank you and God bless.

Brad Johns


Matthew 25:34-40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’