A major cash reward is now on the table for the safe return of a Tampa teenager missing nearly a week.
"I don't know where she is... and it's hard," said Lisa Acierno.
Lisa Acierno is fighting back tears as another day passes with no sign of her 17-year-old daughter Hailey. The teen was last seen walking in her New Tampa neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.
"Everything that's been a possible lead has turned up nothing at all," said Acierno.
A "Find Hailey Acierno" Facebook page has thousands of followers. And the last several days, hundreds of volunteers have been out looking for Hailey and posting flyers. They've focused the search on Flatwoods Park, a place Hailey liked to hang out. But they believe that search is now nearly exhausted, so searchers took a break Sunday to regroup.
"It just horrifies me to think about what kind of shape she is in right now," Acierno said.
That's because Hailey has mental health issues treated with medications she's been without for five days. But the family's thankful for massive support from the community, even total strangers, and are hoping for a good outcome.
"The prayers have been huge. I believe God can help us, and I hope he does," said Acierno.
Lisa's boss, Steve Yerrid of the Yerrid Law Firm is now posting a $25,000 reward for Hailey's safe return.
"If there is that one person who may not have wanted to do something, maybe that will help," Acierno said.
And the family is sending a desperate plea to their daughter and anyone else who may know where she is.
"You've got to come home, Hailey. You can't do this to us. Your brothers, your dad, me...We're dying inside," said Acierno.
If you see Hailey or have information on her whereabouts, contact Tampa Police immediately.
