On Friday evening, October 9, 2026, Olivia Neri, Joanne’s daughter, a college student, was finishing up work when her life changed in an instant. After getting into her car, Olivia noticed an employee standing nearby and offered him a ride. As they approached the area where he asked to be dropped off, he suddenly pulled out a knife. In that instant, Olivia said his face seemed to change completely, morphing into something she could only describe as demonic. He attacked her inside her car.

Olivia was stabbed, strangled with her seatbelt, and suffered devastating injuries before managing to unbuckle herself, open the door, and escape the moving car to get help. Bleeding heavily, she pressed her sweater to her neck and called out to bystanders until help arrived. She was taken to a local hospital, received a blood transfusion, and was then airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery.

The attack lacerated Olivia's left vertebral* artery and left a wound across the front of her neck that nicked her trachea. Her left ear was also sliced and later required plastic surgery. Surgeons were able to repair the artery, but blood flow through that area is still reduced, and she will need blood thinners as she heals.

Along with the physical pain and deep exhaustion she lives with each day, Olivia is coping with the impact these injuries have had on her voice and on simple parts of daily life that most people take for granted. Speaking, resting, and trying to regain a sense of normalcy now come with real physical and emotional strain. As a college student, this attack has disrupted her health, her schooling, and her ability to work while she recovers.

Who I am

My name is Samantha Sandy. I've been close friends with Olivia's older sister, Candace, for over 20 years, and I've known Olivia since she was a baby. I started this fundraiser so Olivia and her family can focus on her healing instead of the financial burden.

Who receives the funds

Olivia Neri / Joanne Neri, Olivia's mother has been added as the beneficiary of this fundraiser at Olivia's request due to her still living with her mother who is her caregiver. All donations go directly from GoFundMe to her bank account. I (Samantha) don't hold or handle any of the money myself.

How the funds will be used

• General medical expenses that insurance doesn't cover

• Ongoing medical care, follow-up appointments, and prescriptions, including blood thinners

• Therapy and support for her physical and emotional recovery not covered

• Daily living expenses and lost income while Olivia is unable to work or attend school.

I'll post updates here as Olivia heals so everyone who gave can see how their support is helping. Any donation or share means so much to Olivia and to everyone who loves her. Thank you for standing with her.

*edited