Funds sought for Sagle woman

SANDPOINT — Jessica Rigby is hoping for a Christmas miracle.

The 29-year-old college student from Sagle has known for years she was adopted, but knew little about her biological family.

"I've always looked here and there, but not intensely," said Rigby.

Rigby's search, however, became more determined when she was diagnosed with cancer this summer. She turned to Barbie Aney, a deputy clerk at the Bonner County Commissioners' Office who has become something of an expert in helping people locate long lost kin.

Aney located Rigby's relatives in Florida. Along with an a sister, two uncles and an aunt, the mother of Rigby's biological father was also found. The first words Hazel Watson said to her granddaughter are tattooed in Rigby's memory.

"She said, 'I've been looking all my life for you,'" Rigby recalls.

Rigby also discovered Watson is dying of cancer, which amplified the urgency of their plans to unite. Rigby is hoping to be by her grandmother's bedside in the coming weeks, but lacks the financial resources to get to Florida.

Rigby is establishing a fundraiser account at Wells Fargo Bank in Sandpoint to cover the cost of fuel on her drive to Florida. Rigby is hoping to raise $1,000, but so far has collected only $100.

For more information, contact Rigby at (208) 290-2358 or write her at JESS86D@msn.com.