Donate to Alex Rizzo's Recovery Journey

Today, I am asking to raise funds for my sister, Alex Rizzo, who was hit by a vehicle while dropping off her kids at Daycare. The incident occurred on July 15th when a vehicle accelerated onto the sidewalk as she was walking her kids into the local YMCA. As my sister heard and saw the vehicle approaching them, she acted quickly and heroically by pushing her 6-year-old daughter and her best friend’s 6-year-old son out of the way. The vehicle struck her and knocked her to the ground, and then ran over her leg. The kids were thankfully not hurt other than minor scrapes and bruises due to Alex’s quick and brave actions.

Unfortunately, Alex suffered traumatic injuries to her left leg. She broke her fibula, tibia, ankle, heel, as well as ligament damage and displacements of other bones in her leg. She was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital where she had a 3+ hour emergency surgery. During the surgery, an external fixation was added to help stabilize the broken bones in her leg in the proper position. This external fixation will be attached for approximately 3-4 weeks to assist in the recovery, after which will require another surgery to remove the device. Alex will remain in the hospital for several days as she is recovering from the injuries. After this, she will be moved to a specialized facility that will assist in her physical therapy rehabilitation.

Alex will not be able to go home during this time and will be living at this facility, away from her children who she loves more than life itself. Alex is on a strict non-weight bearing routine during this initial part of rehabilitation. The entire rehabilitation process will take at minimum 6 months and require her to go through numerous physical therapy sessions. Our hope and prayer is that Alex will not have any long-term disabilities from this tragic incident, but due to extensive trauma caused it is extremely possible.

Alex will not be able to work during this period due to not having a job that is capable of working from home. She has been an employee of UPS at the CACH facility in Hodgkins for several years. She will receive assistance from work for 12 weeks, but the rehabilitation process will proceed at minimum 3 months after that. Alex is a single mother of 3 beautiful children (Gianna 14 years old, Dominic 12 years old and Olivia 6 years old) that rely on her greatly for everyday functions. Alex supports all 3 children financially without any assistance. All three children are in extracurricular activities that require Alex’s everyday assistance. Family and friends will help as much as possible with everyday functions but this will not be enough to support Alex alone. Alex will have numerous bills that will come from the hospital stay and rehabilitation process that will continue throughout the year(s).

My sister is a very proud and humble woman who doesn’t like to ask for assistance even when she needs it, which is why I am organizing this on her behalf. The financial burden that will come from this tragic incident will be substantial. Please consider donating in anyway possible.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.