Kalista’s road to recovery ❤️‍

My Name is CJ and I am writing this fundraiser for a young woman who is currently in ICU fighting for her precious life. On July 2, 2023, Kalista Munoz was brutally attacked by a dog she was trying to rescue. Kalista suffered very severe trauma and is currently in the ICU undergoing surgery. The police were able to arrive 45 min/an hour after the incident began. To think that for an hour, this woman was fighting to survive. Although after being hospitalized, she’s not totally out of the woods yet. She has spent the last week in ICU undergoing a total of 5 surgeries thus far with the possibility of more to continue. To say she has a very long road ahead of her is an understatement!

At 24 years old, she is a student at ASU working towards her master’s degree in Social Justice. In addition to that, if you are a Phoenix Local or “foodie” you might know Kalista from the Richardson’s New Mexico Cuisine family of restaurants.

I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with her for the past 7+ years. Kalista is a sweet soul with a big smile and an even bigger heart. If she ever won the lottery, there definitely would be clear signs…because every dog & cat would be saved from every animal shelter. To say the least, this woman is a hardcore animal lover ❤️ However, what’s the most upsetting is that this particular dog was a new addition to the family that Kalista was trying (and did) to give him a chance to feel love and give love for the past 3 months. Honestly, I think that’s what makes Kalista so special! She loves everyone and takes chances in the spirit of helping any animal or person. 

This fundraising campaign has been started to rally support and raise funds that Kalista desperately needs. Please share and help us come together as a community to love and uplift one another in a time of need! By donating to this cause, you become a beacon of hope for Kalista and her family. Ensuring that they can navigate the path ahead with support and stability. Your generosity will make a significant difference in alleviating their financial burdens as they work towards a brighter future. 

Update:


Kalista has finally been moved out of the ICU and into a more comfortable room in the hospital. She has now undergone a total of 10+ surgeries. Doctors were unable to save one of her arms, but even the weight of this news wasn’t enough to knock her spirits down. The first thing she said to me after telling me this was, “Well it’s a good thing I’m left-handed “hahaha. Her positivity is absolutely contagious. 

In recent weeks Kalista’s story has made her a candidate for HERO ARM.
The world’s first 3D-printed bionic arm prosthetics. Still awaiting more details but her road to recovery ❤️ continues. Please keep her in your prayers and a huge thank you to everyone for your love and support!

Finally out of the Hospital

After being hospitalized for over a month, Kalista was finally discharged, 15 surgeries later. Unfortunately, she’s still attached to IVs for a while and has a couple more surgeries scheduled. As she says, “Recovery’s been a rollercoaster but spirits are still high”. The road to recovery has not been easy and has come with many challenges but it seems the healing is coming along smoothly now without any complications. However, Kalista still has tons more recovery to do till shes back.

Kalista & her family, thank you all again for your support & prayers! It is genuinely appreciated during this time. Much love.