UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Neighbors, friends, family and supporters across Chicago are rallying to support a local baker who was badly injured in a hit-and-run crash.
Geo Salas was biking home about 2 a.m. Saturday when a driver hit her near the corner of Chicago and Western avenues, according to police. She was hospitalized with a broken jaw, which doctors wired shut Tuesday.
As of Thursday, more than $16,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe fundraiser. Money will go toward Salas’ medical bills.
To see so many people support her friend was heart warming, roommate and GoFundMe organizer Mai Giffard said.
“It’s very touching. In these times, it restores my faith in humanity. I’m blown away,” Giffard said. “You could never imagine people showing up like that and being able to raise that much in days.”
Salas cannot eat solid foods for eight weeks. For now she’s staying at a friend’s home and receiving care from her brother and parents, Giffard said.
Once Salas’ jaw heals she will face a significant amount of dental work, potentially including tooth replacement, Giffard said.
“She’s in a lot of pain still,” she said.
Salas lived in Chicago for five years before moving to Portland for four years. She’s lived in Ukrainian Village for nearly two years.
Salas has worked in fine dining for years and she’s well known in the community for her baking.
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