Hello community,

My name is Wanda and I am the survivor of the Woodstock (IL) Gas Station attack and I am asking for your support.

On Wednesday December 31st my life changed after I was brutally attacked by a stranger at my workplace. A stranger. While I was doing my job, decided that he was going to kill me. Can you imagine? I'm still trying to wrap my head around this.

My friends say I'm an itty bitty thing. I stand about 5' and weigh all of 100 pounds. My attacker was a large man, whom I had never seen before. He has been charged with ATTEMPT MURDER-FIRST DEGREE -PROBABILITY OF DEATH, and may face many other charges, if justice prevails.

I suffered several severe injuries and required surgery, not to mention the mental and emotional trauma from this unimaginable situation. Complications from the first surgery, resulted in a second surgery and the healing process has been rough.

I am currently unable to work as my body is healing and I am dealing with the emotional trauma caused by this attack. I am seeking community support for living and medical expenses, while I get back on my feet.

Unfortunately after initial investigation there is no workman's compensation, no unemployment and no employer insurance to help me through this time. I also do not have private medical insurance. I know many of you have questions and all I can say is that this is a complicated legal situation. I have an attorney that is representing me and it looks like it will be many years before I see any compensation for what I have been through (if any at all).

It's hard for me to ask strangers for help. Please know that I will be grateful for any support that can be offered. I am working hard on my mental health and my body is healing, but it's a slow process.

No one goes to work in the morning expecting something like this to happen and I am grateful to be alive, but it's a struggle.

I appreciate you taking the time and thank you in advance if you are able to donate.