While state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, recover, efforts are being made to help them with the expenses they face after a gunman posing as a police officer shot them in their home.

John Hoffman was shot nine times and Yvette Hoffman was struck by eight bullets, Yvette Hoffman wrote in a Sunday message to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, which she said Klobuchar could share. She wrote that they’re “both incredibly lucky to be alive.”

“Our family is so humbled by the love and outpouring we’ve received from everyone,” her message also said. “John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the couple’s recovery expenses by the Parent-Teacher Organization at Fernbrook Elementary School in Maple Grove, where Yvette Hoffman works as a paraprofessional supporting kindergarten teachers and students.As of Sunday afternoon, nearly $54,000 had been raised for the couple, who were shot shortly before a gunman shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, a few miles away. The suspect, Vance Boelter, was arrested Sunday evening near Green Isle, Minn.

Yvette Hoffman told Klobuchar they “are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. We have no words. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”

Hoffman’s nephew, Mat Ollig, said that as the gunman opened fire, his aunt threw herself onto her daughter to protect her. Though she was shot several times, none of the bullets penetrated any organs, he said.

The bullets “narrowly” missed his uncle’s heart, Ollig said.

In an interview Sunday on “Meet the Press,” Klobuchar spoke fondly of Sen. Hoffman, saying: “So he’s another extraordinary person. He got into politics because his daughter has spina bifida, couldn’t get insurance coverage,” and he “went from the school board to the state Legislature.”

She said the couple was recovering in the hospital. Yvette Hoffman was out of surgery and texting mutual friends. John Hoffman might face additional surgeries but was in stable condition, she said.

The Parent Teacher Organization at Fernbrook Elementary School said the shooting has “shaken us all to our core.”

The organizers of the GoFundMe drive said Yvette Hoffman was an invaluable part of the school community, dedicating her time and energy as a support professional.

“She brings joy, compassion, and unwavering support to our students, staff, and families every single day,” fundraiser organizers said. “Her husband, Senator Hoffman, has been a committed advocate for our state, working tirelessly to serve his constituents and improve our communities.”

Along with physical injuries, the couple “are facing immense emotional trauma and an uncertain road to recovery. The medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and the need for security measures will undoubtedly be expensive. On top of this, their lives have been irrevocably altered, and they will need time to heal, both physically and emotionally, without the added burden of financial stress.”

Organizers said that “every donation, no matter how big or small, will directly contribute to medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, lost income, home security enhancements and necessary living expenses. We hope by launching this campaign, we can alleviate the burden of costs during this challenging time.”

“Mrs. Hoffman and Senator Hoffman have given so much to our community and state. Now, it’s our turn to show them our unwavering support.”