To the Rochester tennis community,

One week ago, our friend and tennis coach, Phyllis Wilunda, suffered a stroke. The signs began while teaching a New Years' cardio session at Midtown on Saturday morning and later culminated with a stroke at home while eating dinner. Fortunately, a family member was in the home at the time and was able to call 911 immediately and get her to the hospital within 20 minutes. The stroke affected her left arm from her shoulder to her hand. Within a day, the effects were isolated to that left hand which may be a positive sign. She remained in the hospital for several days while a battery of tests was performed. These tests (brain scans, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds) are not cheap and between those and the stay itself, the costs are going to mount up. At present, she cannot grab a ball and so isn't expected back at the club until the mobility in her fingers improves.

The purpose of this campaign is to help her pay these eventual bills along with her mortgage and other monthly bills while she is away from the club.

Just a quick bit of history for any of you who may not know this about Phyllis. She grew up in Kenya and while on the ITF tour, was the number one junior and adult women champion for several years in the 1990s and also competed in the FED cup. She later moved to Hilton Head, Chicago, and finally Rochester where she's been working at Midtown for the past 16 years.

Those of us who know her well are amused by her sense of humor and keen wit. I love talking politics with her but at the same time am constantly surprised by her addiction to TikTok music videos featuring those singers she loves.

Please donate if you're able and keep Phyllis in your thoughts for a speedy recovery so she can get back to the courts. Thank you.