A lot of you know my mom as the gardener at River Inn. She’s been working there as a waitress and gardener since I was in her stomach—over 26 years now.
In her free time, she finds peace in nature. Her happy place is deep in the backcountry, miles away from the noise and distractions of daily life. Big Sur has been her home on and off for most of her adult life, and she’s always been deeply connected to the land.
Recently, she joined a volunteer group dedicated to maintaining trails—clearing paths, improving safety, and educating the public on how to respectfully enjoy the area. She’s poured nearly all her free time and energy into this cause, driven by her passion for protecting and preserving Big Sur’s natural beauty.
On May 1st, while working with her group at Barlow Camp to clear a massive redwood that had fallen across a trail, she tripped and fell. The accident left her with a broken fibula and tibia. She had to be airlifted out by helicopter.
Because her job relies on physical labor and being on her feet all day, she won’t be able to return to work for at least 3–4 months—and that timeline is still uncertain. The medical bills have already begun piling up, and insurance and disability will only cover a fraction of the cost. Everyday expenses continue, and the financial stress is real.
Writing this is not easy, and asking for help is a last resort. But I’m scared for my mom. She doesn’t have the money to face this alone. And as we all know, just existing right now is expensive.
If you’ve read this far—thank you. Truly. Anything helps, and your support means the world to us.
