Leslie's Recovery Journey
Donation protected
During breakfast on Wednesday morning, January 27, Leslie suddenly collapsed in their home. Her husband Derick was sitting across the room and helped clear her airway and immediately called 911 while he began CPR. A few minutes later, the ambulance arrived to rush her to the emergency room.
The next two days were a whirlwind of tests, observations, assessments, and prayer. An army of friends and family began praying around the clock for Leslie's recovery, and by the grace of God, Leslie opened her eyes for the first time on Friday morning and began to respond with simple head nods. More tests proceeded as her progress continued to improve.
She communicated through writing at first, asking about their kids, what had happened, even whether anyone had told her employer yet. Her ventilator was removed later that morning and Derick was able to spend several hours sitting with her and gently explaining the events of the last 48 hours. He sent regular updates to the family, as no one else is allowed in-person visits during the pandemic.
While the final diagnosis hasn't been confirmed, it appears her heart went into cardiac arrest – likely due to an irregular heartbeat (she had no prior heart-related concerns). This is what caused the sudden collapse. Statistics for this sort of situation are sobering and only make us infinitely more thankful that Derick was in the room when it happened and was able to begin CPR within seconds.
Leslie is still in the ICU undergoing many tests and regaining her strength. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, with more days in the ICU to come – but she is strong, and we are expecting her to recover from this and come back as strong and determined as she always is.
As two-working parents of four, this has taken both of income-earners out of commission — not to mention the significant medical expenses yet to come. This campaign will allow Derick and Leslie to focus on her health and recovery, not worry about their immediate finances while not working.
Who is organizing this campaign?
My name is Isaac Downing, and I'm one of Leslie's siblings. While I am the one that set up this campaign, it's the effort of our entire family (including aunts and uncles) to work together and coordinate the friends and family members that love this wonderful family and want to serve them as they walk through this difficult time.
The next two days were a whirlwind of tests, observations, assessments, and prayer. An army of friends and family began praying around the clock for Leslie's recovery, and by the grace of God, Leslie opened her eyes for the first time on Friday morning and began to respond with simple head nods. More tests proceeded as her progress continued to improve.
She communicated through writing at first, asking about their kids, what had happened, even whether anyone had told her employer yet. Her ventilator was removed later that morning and Derick was able to spend several hours sitting with her and gently explaining the events of the last 48 hours. He sent regular updates to the family, as no one else is allowed in-person visits during the pandemic.
While the final diagnosis hasn't been confirmed, it appears her heart went into cardiac arrest – likely due to an irregular heartbeat (she had no prior heart-related concerns). This is what caused the sudden collapse. Statistics for this sort of situation are sobering and only make us infinitely more thankful that Derick was in the room when it happened and was able to begin CPR within seconds.
Leslie is still in the ICU undergoing many tests and regaining her strength. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, with more days in the ICU to come – but she is strong, and we are expecting her to recover from this and come back as strong and determined as she always is.
As two-working parents of four, this has taken both of income-earners out of commission — not to mention the significant medical expenses yet to come. This campaign will allow Derick and Leslie to focus on her health and recovery, not worry about their immediate finances while not working.
Who is organizing this campaign?
My name is Isaac Downing, and I'm one of Leslie's siblings. While I am the one that set up this campaign, it's the effort of our entire family (including aunts and uncles) to work together and coordinate the friends and family members that love this wonderful family and want to serve them as they walk through this difficult time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Isaac Downing
Organizer
Peoria, IL
Derick Uhler
Beneficiary