The search has intensified for an Oakland mother and business owner who has been missing for almost a month.
Amy Hillyard, 52, was last seen leaving her home in Oakland on March 25. On Saturday, family, friends and volunteers hit the streets, renewing their search for her with goal of bringing her home.
There is also a $10,000 reward for information that leads to her safe return home.
Hillyard’s husband, Chris Hillyard, was part of the crowd.
“This is a complete shock and unknown to us. Amy has never disappeared before, we just don’t know what happened. The not knowing is probably the hardest part,” he said.
“I just want to say we miss Amy terribly we just want someone, anyone, to come forward with any tip no matter how small to help bring Amy home. Our daughters and I are just devastated right now,” he continued.
The couple has been married 22 years, lived in Oakland for 19 of them.
Chris said Amy has been suffering from anxiety and depression but was getting treatment and by all accounts doing better.
He said on the morning of March 25, he dropped her off at a BART station so she can go to her appointment in Walnut Creek.
He says she texted him that afternoon when she was back home.
“I got home around three o’clock that afternoon and the back door was open and our dog was not in its crate and then I walked in and saw her phone and belongings on the counter so I knew something wasn’t right,” he said.
Since that day, dozens of Amy’s friends, neighbors and strangers have showed up to help look for her.
Her sister Alexandra said it’s a testament to who Amy is.
“Kind-hearted determined, passionate, amazing woman. She’s been in my life as long as I’ve been here and she has been the person I have counted on and that I love,” Alexandra said.
NBC Bay Area reached out to Oakland police for an update but hasn’t heard back yet.
The family says police believe foul play is not suspected. They are hoping a $10,000 reward can help bring her home safely.