"He smiles. He listens. He feels. He is present. Now he needs us in a new way. The family wrote in a recent update to the community, describing Wilson Riles Jr.'s condition following his massive stroke and his continued awareness despite physical limitations."
"The way Wilson and Pat have lived their lives in Oakland, opened up their home and their family really to the whole community, it's a model. Now the broader community is called upon to give back. Jacqueline Cabasso, a close friend, described how the couple's community engagement has inspired reciprocal support during this difficult time."
"In-home care is extremely expensive, so we're trying to make sure he's cared for in the way he deserves to be. We're very appreciative of the support and generosity of everyone so far, and we hope people will show up to make sure he's taken care of. Vanessa Riles explained the family's fundraising efforts and gratitude for community assistance."
Wilson Riles Jr., a longtime Oakland civic leader and Oakland Police Commission member, experienced a massive stroke on January 30, leaving him unable to move the right side of his body or speak. However, his family reports he remains aware and recognizes people, showing signs of improvement. His partner Patricia St. Onge and family are fundraising $77,000 for in-home care to support his recovery in familiar surroundings. As of late February, their GoFundMe had raised approximately $42,000. Community members and colleagues have expressed support, reflecting Riles' significant impact on Oakland through his decades of civic engagement and principled advocacy.
#oakland-civic-leadership #health-crisis-and-recovery #community-fundraising #police-commission #in-home-care-support
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