Police and an Arlington family are still searching for a 77-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease who has been missing for more than a week.
Maria Arrocha has not been heard from since she wandered out of her Arbor Lane home on Dec. 18. She lives with her daughter at the home at New York Avenue and Park Row Lane.
The Arrochas said their Christmas spirits were down this year.
"It was a different day -- no celebration," said Martin Arrocha, her son. "We couldn't eat. We couldn't have dinner. It was a very difficult day."
Maria Arrocha has not been able to take much-needed medications, and her family fears she is lost, cold and confused.
"This is like a nightmare," grandson Ricardo Arrocha said. "We don't know what to do. We go out and look for her, but with no results yet."
Maria Arrocha is Hispanic, stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds. She has black and gray hair and brown eyes.
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"She was always hugging us, kissing us. She was the best," Ricardo Arrocha said.
The family has been distributing fliers in both English and Spanish throughout North Texas. There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to her location.
"We're going to keep trying, passing out fliers, talking to the people, talking to the police," Martin Arrocha said.
Authorities urge people to search around their properties -- backyards, garages and sheds -- because Arrocha is likely wandering and disoriented.
Arlington police say they continue to receive tips but nothing has panned out. They are relying on the public's help in this case, stressing that even the smallest tip could be enough to help bring Maria Arrocha back home.
Anyone who has seen Maria Arrocha is asked to call police by dialing 911 or 817-459-5600 and stay with her until officers arrive.
