My name is Terri Miller. Stephanie Krebs and I are launching this GoFundMe for my dear friend (and Stephanie's mom), Linda (Huddleston) Puleo. Linda needs our help! Whether you are a friend, family member, or a total stranger, your kindness, compassion, and support will go a long way in helping Linda focus on her recovery and NOT on mounting medical bills! No donation is too big or too small!

While working remotely, Linda entered the ER in Taormina, Sicily, early on Friday, May 10th, with a high fever and severe pain. She was not examined and had no fluids, pain medication, bloodwork, or radiology until the following day. A CT scan confirmed that Linda had appendicitis and a severe abdominal infection and that she would require surgery, which was scheduled for later that day. After a few hours passed, Linda was told her surgery had to be pushed to Sunday. By the time she was operated on that next day, May 12th, Linda's appendix had ruptured, and her condition had worsened.

Paperwork signed by the surgeon in Taormina states that the surgery was successful, that Linda's ruptured appendix had been removed, and that she would be well enough to fly back to the U.S. on May 17th. Linda's son, Jeff, flew to Sicily on May 13th to assist her as she recovered in a nearby hotel until she was cleared to fly home in a few days.

On Friday, May 17th, Linda and Jeff traveled 19 hours to return to Napa, CA. Exhausted and in pain, Linda continued to decline. On Sunday, May 19th, she was taken to the ER in Napa and was admitted to the hospital with severe peritonitis (infection). Dr's treated Linda with IV antibiotics on Sunday and Monday, but she was not improving, and the situation was dire. A CT scan taken in Napa showed that Linda's appendix was never removed! It was severed after rupturing and left inside her abdominal cavity, adhering to her colon and small intestines, further complicating her medical condition.

Surgery was scheduled for the following day when doctors removed the appendix, a significant part of Linda's small and large intestines, and a dangerously large abscess. Linda would spend the next two weeks in the hospital, fighting to get well.

In June, Linda was discharged and went to live with her son and his girlfriend, as she needed round-the-clock care. Due to her condition and the trauma to her digestive system, Linda has lost a significant amount of weight and continues to lose weight as her body fights hard to heal.

Linda hasn't been able to work since this horrible medical crisis started in early May; she has mounting medical bills and requires continued medical care for many months to come (including complementary care not covered by insurance).

If you know Linda, you know she has a heart of gold, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for someone she loved or for a total stranger in need!

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION OF ANY AMOUNT YOU CAN AFFORD!

Thus far, Linda's out-of-pocket medical bills and lost wages have totaled more than $30,000, and we don't know when she will be well enough to return to work.

You know the old saying, "It takes a village?" Well, it does! Please join Linda's village by contributing whatever amount you can.

Please also consider sharing this GoFundMe through your social media channels or email. Thank you in advance for your generosity and compassion.

With a heart full of gratitude,

Terri, Steph, and all of Linda's family and friends!