Fundraiser held for woman battling rare bacteria - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

A football fundraiser for a woman battling rare bacteria was held on Friday night in Snellville.

Hannah Rinehart's feet and hands were amputated after she contracted a bacterial infection, apparently from her dog's saliva.

Friends, family and strangers came together to raise money for Hannah at South Gwinnett High School, where her husband is a teacher.

"The love and support that we've received is something that cannot be easily expressed it's – it's amazing," said Mark Rinehart, Hannah's husband.

Mark Rinehart, a member of Georgia's National Guard, says he's gotten a lot of help from Operation Appreciation, a nonprofit organization geared at helping Guard members. The group sponsored the fundraiser, providing the required raffle license to make it come together.

Beth Waters of Operation Appreciation said they wanted to help "take the financial burden off of him and he could focus on his wife and her recovery."

That recovery seemed doubtful last weekend as doctors prepared Hannah's family and friends for the worst after her heart rate jumped to dangerous levels.

"We had a tough time for the past couple of weeks, but I'm hopeful that the worst days are behind us and she's going to continue to get better," said Mark Rinehart.

Better days he hopes, buoyed by community support and Hannah's fighting spirit.

"She's a strong woman. She's got strong support so we just pray for the best," said family friend Andie McDaniel.

Family members said they have planned several more fundraisers for Hannah Rinehart. For information on how to help the family, visit: Hannahrinehart.org