Kathy Connolly

Hello my name is Colleen Rodriguez,

I am doing this GoFundMe for my dear friend Kathy on what is almost her year Anniversary of a horrific car accident that nearly claimed her life.

On Friday, February 24th, 2023, Kathy a beloved friend, wife, mother, grandmother, coworker, and pillar of our community was in a horrific car accident. She was traveling home from dropping her husband, Bob off at work. She was struck head on by a vehicle that had crossed the double line at a high speed while passing another vehicle that was stopped on the side of the road.

Kathy was pinned in her vehicle and had to be extricated by first responders. She was rushed to the hospital in excruciating pain. Her extent of injuries were, a concussion, a broken left wrist, a fractured left foot, fractured back injuries, a right foot shattered talus bone. Kathy was immediately sent into surgery to repair her left wrist. Doctors had to piece back her wrist with a plate and screws, and cast that arm. A few days later Kathy underwent another surgery to do major reconstructive surgery to her right foot, and that was put in a cast. Kathy remained in the hospital for a month before entering a rehabilitation center where she would spend 2 months non weight bearing, and another month fighting through the pain and extensive physical therapy.

For three months, Kathy was unable to walk. She lost her independence, ability to work, and strength to get through the day unassisted. She suffers from constant nerve pain in her back, right leg, and right foot. She spends most of her days being shuttled back and forth from doctor's appointments and undergoing countless hours of painful physical therapy.

While it is a complete miracle that Kathy is alive, she has a long and painful road to recovery ahead of her. During a time when she should be thinking about herself and recovery , Kathy is of course thinking about her family and friends and the impact this has had on them, that's the kind of person Kathy is. Kathy is one of the most loving, generous, kind, and understanding person there is. Despite all she going through daily , she has at times questioned why this had to happen? She is still cracking jokes, and finding herself trying to make people laugh and smile. Having devoting her life to helping those in need of both healthcare and special education, Kathy has given of herself in ways few others have. She was working in eldercare when this car accident happened. Now, this too has been taken away from her, as she has to use a walker and a cane to be able to get around.

The person who hit Kathy has little insurance . These bills are mounting and falling on her and her husband, Bob's shoulder's. She is being put into collection agency's for injuries she did not bring on. She is constantly having to worry about her finances and all the bills coming in.

Kathy deserves to have peace of mind, and just be able to focus on her journey to healing and recovery.

Through this GoFundMe. I am hoping to show Kathy just how much she is loved and help ease the financial burden to her and her husband, Bob.

If you are able to contribute and support Kathy during this difficult time, please consider donating to this fund.

Thank you,

Colleen