In 2009 Linda Rivera, a 57-year-old mother of six from Nevada, was stricken with what one doctor described as “the severest multi-organ (bowel, kidney, brain, lung, gall bladder, pancreas) case of E. coli O157:H7 mediated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome I have seen in my extensive experience.”  Linda’s story hit the front page of the Washington Post and became Senator Harry Reid’s touchstone for moving the Food Safety Bill in 2010 which the President signed into law.

Today, Linda, Richard, and a few hundred friends and family, gathered at their new home and celebrated her being out of the hospital and her recovery after being hospitalized for over two years.  It was a very good day.

Linda and her mom Audrey

Here is just a little of what Linda, Richard and their family went through: