Pembroke resident Wilhelmina Tuten, 72, was in the Critical Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah on Friday after she fell in her home.

Tuten was hospitalized Thursday after a fall that cracked three ribs and punctured a lung, according to Susie Magee, president of the Pembroke American Legion Auxiliary.

Tuten had been home from the hospital and improving Wednesday after an alleged July 28 assault by her son, Clinton Craig Nesmith, 51, left her fighting for her life.

Nesmith remains in jail facing a number of charges, and news of the incident caused outrage in Pembroke and North Bryan.

So far, funds totaling $1,758 have been donated on Tuten’s behalf to assist with quickly mounting medical expenses incurred as a result of critical care for two broken arms, a concussion and blood clots on the brain that demanded emergency surgery, Magee said.

But that isn’t enough.

"The whole town was up in arms about what happened to her, but we didn’t get the response from the people of Pembroke that we were expecting." Magee said.

One bill is for $250,000 and other medical bills continue to come in. Tuten will need home health care once she is released from St. Joseph’s, according to Magee.

The donations that have been given to date are greatly appreciated, but the bills are still coming in and she still needs help, Magee said.

Heritage Bank continues to accept donations on Tuten’s behalf, in addition to collection containers placed at Alco, Harvey’s, Luann’s, Pembroke Pharmacy, Bedingfield’s, and Owen’s Supply.

"Please don’t forget Wilhemina and this terrible thing that happened to her. She still needs our help" Magee said.