Our beloved Rita Vigil needs our help. We all know her as a devoted mother, loyal sister, loving daughter, considerate partner, fierce friend, and all-around incredible woman and community member. Rita is always the first one to volunteer to help a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger in need. Now it's our turn to help her.

Rita entered Deaconess hospital on November 24 and was admitted to the ICU almost immediately with liver complications. While the first few days seemed precarious, she showed great signs of improvement by the end of the week--she was moved to a regular room, having lively conversations, and demanding to go home.

However, she took a turn early in the morning of December 1. The doctors discovered a brain bleed that needed immediate attention. That evening, she had surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain and is working her hardest to recover. She's showing signs of progress--moving her feet, eyes, and hands--and we feel optimistic that she can come out of this.

Rita has an extensive road to recovery and we still aren't clear on how long she will be hospitalized. As we all know, medical bills are expensive, and hers are mounting by the day. We need to make sure that when she is finally released, she can focus on taking care of herself and getting back on her feet.

Please help ease this exceptionally difficult journey for one of the best people I know.

On behalf of her family and friends, thank you.