Ann Curry is reportedly being phased out of her co-anchor position at “Today,” but a group of fans is trying to turn back the tide and persuade NBC otherwise with an online petition.

The petition, posted on Change.org on Friday, has so far attracted 500 signatures from Curry loyalists intent on keeping her face on the morning airwaves.

“Dear Today Show at NBC,' the petition reads. “We Love Ann Curry! Ann Curry Loves us and the Today Show!'
The petition was launched by Phoenix. Ariz. resident Stephen Crowley, an Iraq war veteran who says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and that Curry’s presence on the “Today” show has had a steadying influence on him.

“One of the things that gives me a sense of calm and certainty in life is Ann Curry’s compassionate style of journalism,” Crowley says on the petition’s web page. “Ann Curry’s sensitivity to the human experience telegraphs through her journalism, to me and many other fans and viewers. Her compassion and dedication to her audience radiates every time she stands in front of a camera. She connects with people. She has definitely connected with me.”

As reported earlier this week, Curry and NBC are negotiating her exit from the morning program, with a decision on her departure coming as early as next week. Curry has reportedly hired attorney Robert Barnett - who represented Christiane Amanpour during her exit from ABC News’ “This Week” - to rep.