What should I do if my attorney was sent to the hospital?

I sued my former employer for race/age discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment, etc. I hired a solo attorney. Everything was going smoothly until he went into the hospital. I was not notified until about three weeks ago. His secretary has been telling me off and on that she referred the case to an outside lawyer who was willing to take the cases. I called that attorney last week only to find out that he never even heard of me! I have no representation. The attorney to my ex employer sent a letter to my previous attorney asking them if there was counsel to represent me. They want an answer by the 24th of Oct. The case might go to federal court, but discovery has not taken place. I am frantically searching for someone. Can someone offer some advice? Will this harm my case? Its not my fault this is happening.