Miss Rita is an integral, valued, and beloved part of Children’s Ministries at First Assembly Fort Myers. She has dedicated herself to growing and planting God's word in the JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz) children. She gives with love, passion, and God's will to build up His kingdom in the hearts of the children. She now needs our help.

Miss Rita wrote: On the early morning of 10/8, my mother unexpectedly suffered a massive stroke. A blood clot went to her brain, and she lost 90% of her left brain and 30% of her right brain function. It was a complete shock as we had just spent a 30-day stay at a skilled nursing facility, and she was coming home to continue therapy with home health. We are devastated because this was so unexpected. My mother is currently at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL, and very close to dying. It will cost me $2,500 for my share of her funeral expenses to bring her back to NJ for burial. Plus, I also need to purchase 3 round-trip tickets to NJ so my immediate family, John, Gabrielle, and myself can attend the funeral. Mom lived with us, and we took care of her daily for the past 6 years. If you can help at all, it would be a blessing; otherwise, I may not be able to attend my mother’s funeral in NJ. There will be a memorial service back home in Florida after the funeral. I will let everyone know when and where. Anything you can do to help would be a blessing. Thank you. - Rita