Many of you know my sister, Annie Leslie. Annie was living in California beginning a new career and enjoying an active and full life. This past August, after experiencing severe headaches and neck pain, Annie’s doctors discovered she had a brain aneurysm, requiring an emergency procedure. Although doctors were able to “coil” the aneurysm, it ruptured during the procedure and Annie sustained serious brain trauma and congestive heart failure. She spent more than a month in the ICU, was in a coma and given a very pessimistic prognosis.
Thankfully, she woke from the coma, seeming to become more and more responsive. The real miracle came after we played one of her favorite songs, and she suddenly started miming the lyrics and moving to the music. Eventually she was transferred to a long-term acute care facility, and then back to the hospital for further in-patient rehabilitation. She is now in Maryland at our family home where she is continuing intensive rehab on an outpatient basis. She is currently struggling with severe memory and vision issues, which are gradually improving. Her progress so far is seemingly miraculous relative to her original prognosis, but she has a LONG way to go to recovery. Annie’s resilience is astounding and with our love and support her future looks promising.
Annie’s insurance will only partially cover her mounting medical expenses, she needs all of our support to ensure that financial constraints will never limit the quality of care and rehab that she receives. A fundraising campaign in Annie’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider making an end of year tax-deductible donation.
On behalf of Annie and our family, thank you for your support, generosity, kindness and prayers.
Jon Leslie
443-745-0538
[email protected]
