In a desperate plea for help, “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie described her family as being “at an hour of desperation” in the search for her missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. The emotional appeal came Monday, just hours before an alleged ransom deadline set by potential kidnappers was set to expire.

“She was taken and we don’t know where, and we need your help,” Guthrie said in a video posted on Instagram. The television personality urged people across the nation to remain vigilant, saying, “No matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home just outside Tucson on January 31. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend church services. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, citing evidence including blood on her front porch that DNA tests confirmed belonged to her. Investigators also noted her doorbell camera had been disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The case has garnered national attention, reaching the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week about the situation. Meanwhile, online communities have mobilized, flooding social media with tips, theories and speculation about the disappearance.

Federal authorities have intensified their efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie. The FBI has placed digital billboards seeking information in major cities across Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico, and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

Adding urgency to the search are concerns about Nancy’s health. According to sheriff’s dispatcher audio, she requires daily medication, has a pacemaker, and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues.

In recent days, multiple news outlets received what appear to be ransom demands. At least one letter reportedly contained monetary demands with specific deadlines. While law enforcement officials have not confirmed the authenticity of these communications, they have stated that all tips are being investigated thoroughly. The first purported deadline passed last Thursday, with a second deadline set for Monday evening.

In a separate video released Saturday, Savannah Guthrie indicated her family’s willingness to pay for her mother’s safe return. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” she said.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, Savannah expressed hope on Monday that her mother remains alive. “We believe that somehow, some way, she is feeling these prayers,” she said, “and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place.”

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported Monday that their tip lines have received thousands of calls. “Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” the department stated. They added that law enforcement work at Guthrie residences will continue Tuesday “as part of the ongoing investigative process, including the expansion of the search and follow-up on new leads.”

Investigative activities have intensified in recent days. On Saturday, investigators were seen inside Annie Guthrie’s home, located about four miles from her mother’s residence. The following day, an investigator was observed using a pole to search an underground tank behind Nancy Guthrie’s home.

The disappearance has deeply affected the local community. Tucson resident Chuchi Ruiz, who brought flowers to Nancy Guthrie’s home, told reporters that news of her disappearance has shaken area residents. Outside the home on Monday, neighbors continued their morning routines while a county sheriff’s deputy remained stationed in front of the property.

As the search enters its second week, authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.