Dear friends, neighbors, and kind-hearted supporters,

My name is Alyssa, and I’m reaching out once again on behalf of my dear friend and coworker, Rita Russo—a woman whose strength, warmth, and perseverance have inspired so many of us.

Two years ago, your generous support helped Rita through a total hip replacement after her right hip deteriorated due to an active lifestyle and the onset of severe rheumatoid arthritis. The surgery was a success—until it wasn’t. Just six months later, during a routine follow-up, she and her doctor discovered a fractured femur on the same side. This led to another surgery to secure the bone with a metal plate and screws.

Despite this setback, Rita remained positive. She worked hard to regain her strength and, after a long recovery, finally returned to work just a few months ago. It was a joyful milestone for her—and for all of us who know and love her.

But last week, everything changed again.

After several demanding days at work, Rita noticed increasing pain in her leg. A follow-up X-ray on Monday revealed devastating news: the top of her femur has now broken, causing her hip replacement to shift and several of the screws holding both the implant and femur plate to break.

This recent X-ray shows the broken top of Rita’s femur and the failed screws that must now be removed and replaced. I'm sharing it with her permission to help everyone understand the seriousness of her condition.

This means both of her previous surgeries now need to be undone and completely redone—a major, complex procedure that will require months of recovery and rehabilitation.

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How You Can Help

Rita cannot do this alone. Even with Medicare, a surgery this complex comes with major out-of-pocket costs—and she will be unable to work for months while she recovers.

She will need:

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Your Support Will Help Cover:

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Why Rita Deserves Our Help

Rita is more than just a coworker—she’s the heart of our workplace. Her resilience, humor, and compassion touch everyone she meets. At The Cliffs at Walnut Cove and beyond, she’s known for her tireless work ethic and for always putting others first.

Now, it's our turn to lift her up.

Please consider donating—no matter how small—and sharing this campaign widely. Your support will help cover what Medicare can’t, and give Rita the time and resources she needs to recover fully. Your generosity and kindness will not only help Rita heal—it will remind her that she’s not alone.

With deep gratitude,

Alyssa