Donate to help Ronni Newt's Recovery

Hi - my name is Christina Rogers and I am raising funds on behalf of my dear friend and colleague LaTanya Newt, whose family desperately needs our help.

On December 17, 2022, LaTanya’s niece, Ronni, was driving on the 101 Freeway to meet her friends when someone, for reasons we may never know, opened fire from another car and shot her in the head. Thankfully, Ronni has survived this senseless violence; she is starting to regain some of her cognitive abilities, but she remains in the hospital.

Currently, Ronni is in what is known as a minimally conscious state. That is where a person shows clear but inconsistent awareness. She is awake and alert and breathing on her own. But can’t speak, sit up on her own or purposely move her arms and legs. She sometimes responds to questions with eye blinks and occasionally squeezes a hand.

Ronni's medical care will need to continue, but her insurance will lapse in a couple of months. Traditional insurance doesn’t provide long-term care. They have a limited number of hospitalization days that are covered. After those days have expired, medical costs are left to the individual and their families.

Ronni will require 24/7 nursing care as she recovers. She will need physical therapy to learn how to walk again and to prevent spasticity and contracture from setting in. She will need speech therapy to learn how to swallow and talk. Occupational therapy so she can assume daily activities like brushing her teeth, combing her hair, or showering. She will also need regular therapy to help her through this traumatic and life-altering experience while she returns to a healthy existence. In addition to the various services, she will require multiple medical supplies, including; a reclining wheelchair. Medical bed, pure wick catheter system, replacement catheters, latex gloves, monitoring equipment, feeding tube supplies, etc.

Below is an estimated breakdown of costs:

24-hour nursing care approx $9,000 per month

Home modifications, including a ramp, bathroom safety bars, etc., approx $8500

Physical therapy approx $350 per session 3 - 5 times weekly

Speech therapy approx $300 per session 3 - 5 times a week

Occupational therapy approx $200 per session 3 - 5 times weekly

Various medical supplies related to her ongoing care

Prescriptions and medications related to her recovery but not covered by insurance

Mobile transport for follow-up Doctor visits.

Many of you know her parents, Francine Webster and Robert Newt, and her aunt LaTanya Newt —all of who have long-established ties to the Hollywood creative community (music, TV, Film, Digital Media). Family, friends, and colleagues have continually asked how they can help. So we have started this GoFundMe campaign to help with the first year of the medical costs to ensure that Ronni has a smooth road to full recovery.

The Webster and Newt families are appreciative of your consideration.