Imagine facing a joyous holiday season, only to have life turn upside down in the blink of an eye. My name is Rita Yong, and I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for help.

My husband, Michael, traveled to California to visit his mother, who had just been diagnosed with blood cancer. It was a trip filled with emotions, love, and family. But tragedy struck unexpectedly. On the second-to-last day before he was due to return home to Ormond Beach, we went out for dinner as a family. A woman coughed directly in Michael's face, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that would change our lives forever.

Michael fell ill upon returning home on Christmas Day. His symptoms rapidly worsened, leading us to seek immediate care at AdventHealth Clinic, where he was diagnosed with both Flu A and B. We thought medication and rest would be enough, but things spiraled out of control. His condition deteriorated overnight, and an ambulance rushed him to Daytona Beach AdventHealth Hospital. There, he was placed on an ECMO machine to clean his blood. But the unthinkable happened—Michael went into cardiac arrest. It took four agonizing minutes to revive him.

In critical condition, Michael was airlifted to Orlando AdventHealth Hospital, where he has remained in a coma for over a month. The emotional toll on our family has been immense, but the financial burden is equally overwhelming.

Our medical bills have soared to nearly a million dollars, and they continue to grow. As a 65-year-old with no income, I am faced with mounting expenses—from medical bills to our mortgage and everyday living costs. Each day is a battle, not only for Michael’s life but for our survival.

I am asking for your compassion and support. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help alleviate this enormous financial burden and allow me to focus on being by Michael’s side. Your generosity will directly go toward medical expenses, transportation costs, and basic needs as we navigate this devastating crisis.

Michael is a fighter, and with your help, I believe we can get through this. Please consider making a donation to support his recovery and keep our family afloat during this incredibly challenging time. Thank you for being our lifeline when we need it most.