Jillian Pena's life changed in an instant when a car struck her as she was crossing the street. Sustaining severe head injuries, it wasn't clear she was going to survive. Her family rushed from New Mexico as Jillian clung to life, breathing with the help of a respirator. They couldn't leave until they knew she would recover, but they didn't have the financial resources to cover the cost of staying in New York.

The Actors Fund and our program for injured dancers, The Dancers' Resource, stepped in with emergency financial assistance. We helped them find housing, assigned a social worker to help the family, and provided support services throughout her recuperation. Today, Jillian is back on her feet and attending graduate school.

"I so, so appreciate what you all did and have no idea how to express just how much it means to me and my family. Thank you!"