Holding On - Lee and Maria Need Our Help

The world of our extended family shattered on August 6, 2022, when my brother Lee experienced a life-altering bicycle accident that sent him into emergency brain surgery. I am asking for your help. While he slowly progresses, the effects of his traumatic brain injury will be long-lasting. After nearly three months of hospitalization and intensive care, Lee is home attending outpatient therapy, and encountering occasional setbacks. Maria, Lee's wife, and children Erin (18) and Dillon (21) are his caregivers. While they have found a complex rhythm that works to support their dad while they work, go to school, and navigate life, this small team feels strain physically, emotionally and financially.

Even with the setbacks, however, some expensive therapies are not covered by insurance. Lee is no longer able to work, has yet to receive any disability assistance or Social Security, and the family (formerly a two-income household), is living on their savings and Maria's part-time job - she recently had to give up a second job to care for Lee.

Erin, who in May 2023 graduated from high school and is pursuing higher education in art, created the piece below entitled, Holding On. It depicts her and her mother in the days after Lee's accident when they didn't know if he would make it or how he might be changed. Her work won a national award: ERIN O'DANIEL SCHOLASTIC NAT'L SILVER MEDALIST

We are launching this fund-raising campaign to help with immediate needs:

• high-cost out-of-pocket therapies

• medical deductible and co-pays

• school program costs and supplies for Erin

• gap caused by going from two incomes to a single part-time job

We are humbled by how much love, and strength this family has shown these past months as well as their incredible ability to be resilient and hold on in the face of an ever-changing landscape. Lee's CaringBridge site tells a more detailed story and has had over 4,100 visits since its launch.

Please consider helping Lee and his family hold on, by making a contribution.

Thank you,

Merry Beth, Lee's Sister