On  September 13, 2020  I was on my way to self- tape two auditions for network TV series when I tripped on an  irregular curb that the City of Los Angeles had just installed. I fell full force on my outstretched I heard a loud snap and then then the worst pain ever. My arm turned completely black and blew up the size of a helium balloon. I actually finished those auditions and booked one of the acting jobs. But I had done severe damage to my right arm and could not lift it.

I lost my health care due to Covid- 19 and so it took a month to get the  X ray and an MRI which showed clearly that I had severed the  supraspinatus ( say that three times please)  tendon completely and several ligaments  in my rotator cuff. I am having Right shoulder Arthroscopy with capsular reconstruction surgery on March 26th. My surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe came highly  recommended and I am looking forward to getting well.  

I tried to go through Covered CA and was able to buy Blue Shield CA but they tripled the premiums and then I was hit with a pre- op surgical fee of $3500 plus the high monthly premiums of $1160.00. It has been a long stressful time.

My friends told me I needed to do a Go Fund Me to help with the medical expenses. I am not happy that this has happened but here we are.

We are asking for 10,000.00. This will cover the surgical fee and the high premiums for three months.  It will also help me with any other out of pocket not anticipated and unforeseen  expenditures such as medical durables and equipment I will need  for my recovery and rehabilitation. It will also cover Uber rides as I cannot drive to and from my doctor and I live alone.

I have several friends lined up to stay with me over night so I do not fall. This is my biggest concern. I am told that I cannot be left alone during the first week or so.  Also, a very good friend is taking care of me 24/7 my first week out of the procedure so that all goes well. A friend is taking care of my dear cat Mr. Grey so he is not left alone.  My cat has been my constant companion during Covid and frankly I do not know how I would have gotten through these months of isolation without this sweet compassionate animal. He deserves everyone's praise.  ^..^

The urgency of this situation is the $3500 fee and the first month premium of $1160.00 

If you are able to help thank you. If you are not in a position do so thank you anyway. I want to get well so that I can teach my students Voice and Speech and Acting and my agents are wanting me to get back as soon as I can. I have a film that is scheduled to start this summer - I am playing Dr. Leigh Brackett in Marc and Elaine Zicree's SPACE COMMAND- FORGIVENESS- so we gotta get my arm back into shape!!!!

Thank you for your kind consideration. It is not easy to ask for help. This has been a difficult year for all of us. I cannot believe this happened during Covid. Many blessings to all.

I love you all.

Barbara Lee  Bragg
(AKA Dr. Leigh Brackett- SPACE COMMAND- FORGIVENESS)