Mari Villar's Recovery from Hit and Run

UPDATE: !!!!!!! 1/14/24

Due to Mari's multiple surgeries and her body's incredible healing ability - it was discovered that she had scar tissue impairing the blood flow to her right foot. In November, she successfully underwent angioplasty. This not only improved her circulation but also resulted in her being able to move her foot for the very first time!!! She continues to work hard at her physical therapy and efforts to regain as much mobility as possible and still has the most amazing attitude possible during these trying times. Thank you to everyone for your continued support!

ANOTHER UPDATE: 8/7/23

Mari's surgery went as we could hope. Now it is the waiting game. Wait and see if the surgery is effective in restoring the feeling in the right foot. Thank you all, and please continue in your prayers and support.

UPDATE:8/2/23

Mari's surgery to try and restore the nerve damage in her right leg has been rescheduled sooner to Thursday at 11am. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported already. Will continue to post updates - please pray that her surgery is successful and they can restore feeling to her leg.

This is a fundraiser to help my sweet cousin, Mari. This past Memorial Day weekend, Mari had just finished a school project with friends, and they were walking to get a bite to eat. While waiting on a corner to cross the street - a driver revved his engine and drove his vehicle over the curb - directly hitting Mari. He hit her so hard that it sent her flying 10 feet in the air, and into a utility pole. The driver then drove away and has yet to be charged.

Mari was rushed to Cook County trauma center with life-threatening injuries. Her friends and family waited over the next week for updates as she underwent 6 surgeries. She has two broken legs, nerve damage to her right leg, a liver laceration, a colon injury and collapsed lung. By the grace of God she didn't have a spinal injury from the impact with the telephone pole, 'only' a severe concussion.

Throughout all of this - her kind, sweet and courageous spirit constantly shines thru. She's an active volleyball player, a Harry Styles fan, and crazy smart - 4.3 GPA(!). She is giving everything she has to her recovery. Doctors at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab marveled at her energy and wished they could help all their patients have her drive.

She's still waiting to see if the nerve damage in her right leg can be repaired by a specialist. They see that specialist on Aug 31 - and will know whether or not Mari will be able to regain full use of her right leg again. If they cannot repair the nerve damage she will not be able to walk without an assistive device.

The owner of the vehicle that struck Mari has claimed the car was stolen. Charges have not been filed and without this, they cannot hope for insurance assistance from the driver's insurance.

Mari's Mom Megan is an amazing nurse, which has been a blessing given all they have had to deal with. Right now they've had to move to be in a single-level home while Mari is in a wheelchair and recovering. Megan took off work for the last 2 months to stay with Mari in the hospital and rehab. There are going to be many expenses both medically and logistically. So many people have reached out asking to help, and we decided this may be the easiest way for everyone to support Mari and her family in her hour of need.

If you can help, please do - every donation will help keep them from drowning in medical bills as they fight for justice and her continued recovery.

Please keep Mari in your thoughts and prayers.

Here is a story about the accident that was on WGN news:

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/i-had-6-surgeries-chicago-teen-family-speak-out-after-hit-and-run-incident-near-midway/