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Last February, Donna Mccleland, 45, was driving through the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Missouri Rd. and hit Riverview resident Joseph Perrino's car.
After the collision, Alyssa Perrino, Joseph's 4-year-old granddaughter, was flown to the Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
Mccleland was charged with a DUI with serious bodily injury, the refusal to submit to testing and a DUI with property damage or personal injury.
With the support of family, friends and caring individuals in the community, Alyssa, who is also a Riverview resident, has been making progress in her recovery.
"She woke up from a coma two weeks ago," says Faith Schnicke, a family friend and the assistant manager of DaSilva's Coffeehouse.
"Last week, they had her skull reinserted with 10 titanium plates. She's not talking. She's said about two words, but she's not talking to anybody and she's paralyzed on her right side," says Schnicke.
With the care and concern from the community, Alyssa Perrino's family has benefited from their gifts and donations through various sponsors.
Schnicke set up a fundraiser at the Riverview coffee house with customer and friend, Sandra Nitch, who runs Just Brew It! Fundraising, in order to support Alyssa's medical treatment.
Just Brew It! Fundraising is an online fundraiser that gives $3 to specific causes for every pound of coffee sold.
The organization supports many causes that hold special meaning to Nitch and her husband, Mike.
"I included Alyssa Perrino because her story grabbed my heart," says Nitch. "When my son was 15 years old he was in a severe accident that nearly cost him his life - a hit and run."
To contribute to the Alyssa Perrino fund, click on "coffees for Alyssa" at www.justbrewitfundraising.com.
Other organizations Just Brew It! Fundraising supports are the LifeLink Legacy Fund, the Florida Railroad Museum, The Crossing Church and the East Bay Bucs.
DaSilva's Coffeehouse is located at 11226 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Call 672-4013 for more information.
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