Caring for the Care Giver

On Tuesday night October 20th at 9:30pm, our sister and dear friend Este Lewis was a pedestrian in a terrible hit-and-run car accident as she was walking home from the subway after work.  Este is an artist and care-giver, and she had just started a new job with Roz, an elder woman she was very excited to be spending time with.  Este was crossing the street in the crosswalk two blocks from her apartment when an unknown man ran a stop sign and hit her and badly broke her leg. 

(here is a photo Este took of Roz on the roof of her building on the Upper West Side at sunset, a few hours before the accident)

Este was taken to the trauma center ER at Maimonides Hospital and underwent emergency surgery to repair a compound fracture of both bones of her lower right leg —tibia and fibula— and she also fractured her sacrum in the fall.  We are all very fortunate that kind souls were there to help her deal with the open wound as the bone had pierced through her leg.  One incredibly kind man literally ripped the shirt from his back to tie her leg above the knee and stop her from bleeding out and losing consciousness.

(here she is with her dear friend Lucy Childress, who passed away in 2013.  Este was wearing Lucy's scarf at the time of the accident, and it was used to help tie up her wound)

After the surgery, the diagnosis is that Este will bedridden for 2-3 months and unable to walk properly for 3 months minimum.  With the care and support of her friends and family, she is expected to have a full recovery.   Este is currently not able to spend the night alone, and her siblings have been staying with her and caring for her.  Este is someone who cares so much for other people, and it is of utmost importance that she focus on her own well-being and healing during this process.

Este will not be able to work for 3 months, and we are setting up this fund so that she can cover basic expenses for these three months she is healing.  Este was still dealing with the surprise death of Bill, who she had been caring for in the past year.  Este is deeply heartened that Roz believes that Este is the person for her 100% and will re-hire Este once she recovers.

(here is Este caring for Bill as he enjoys his specific ketchup ritual on his favorite burger at his favorite diner, a few months before he passed.

We have estimated basic expenses for three months as the amount for this fund. Please share and donate what you can. No amount is too small.  Este is a life-artist, and is already imagining how she might incorporate this horrible experience into her work, with which she transforms her challenges into the special joy she shares with so many people.

(here she is with her dear friend Eleanore who brought Marigolds and Pizza to her the night she came home from the hospital)

As a token of gratitude to anyone who donates to this fund, Este will send a limited edition piece of art to each person generous enough to support her financially during this painful tragedy.  This truly means so much to us, and your contribution will help her continue to heal and thrive.


With Love and Gratitude,
Este and her family