Lompoc Widow Survives Hit-and-Run, Asks Community’s Help With Expenses
LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - A Lompoc mother who survived a recent hit-and-run on her way to work needs help with her recovery.
She’s also a widow.
Sofia Cortez lost her husband to brain cancer four years ago.
she takes the bus to work at Ridley Cancer Center in Santa Barbara.
“I am the main caretaker of the family now since my late husband passed away,” says Sofia. “I don't have a car, and so I walk everywhere.”
The incident occurred at 6 a.m. while Sofia was walking to the bus stop here at the corner of Walnut and North Avenue A and Lompoc, just in front of Pier Fitness.
“This is going to put me out of work for a really long time,” says Sofia.
Both of her legs were broken and she suffered serious internal injuries, but survived.
“There was a day that was very, very scary,” says Sofia’s older brother Peter. “But luckily we were able to get through that.”
Cortez is recovering at an extended care facility, with medical bills piling up.
Her family estimates her overall recovery will cost $24,000.
so, her kids started a GoFundMe.
“My son was amazing to start a GoFundMe,” says Sofia.
Sofia and her family say no donation is too small.
“Any donation, whether it's a small one, whether it's all you can give, if it's a generous one, all of it is meaningful and helpful,” says Peter.
Police are currently looking for the driver.
Anyone can donate by visiting Sofia’s GoFundMe page by clicking this link.
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