VBR's Brooklyn Half Recovery

A beloved member of several NYC running crews, an educator, and a selfless community advocate, Vanessa Rivera, unexpectedly suffered a severe heatstroke at the NYRR Brooklyn Half on 5/21. She was 100m from the finish line at Coney Island when she collapsed. Thankfully the event's medical team was able to care for her quickly, but her condition was severe enough that she had to be taken to the emergency room in an ambulance. Her body temperature had reached 106 degrees, critically impacting her organs.

While she is making a recovery in the hospital now, there are still unknown aspects to her rehabilitation and journey back to full health. It's frightening to know that even a seasoned runner could succumb to dangerous race conditions, but it's truly heartbreaking when it's one from our very own community.

During this time, we'd like to raise funds to help with the unexpected financial burden of this medical emergency. Any amount will help a beautiful, inspiring, compassionate, *golden* member of our community.

Please consider donating, as well as keeping Vanessa and her family in your prayers.