Push for Veda

On the evening of June 4, 2020 after eating dinner, Veda began to vomit and later developed a headache, we initially thought she suffered from food poisoning. It was determined she had a ruptured Aneurysm and had to undergo surgery on June 7, 2020.  Upon review of CT scan the diagnosis she had a total of 7 aneurysms the doctors repaired 4 aneurysms and the other 3 are small but will always have to be monitored. She spent the next month in ICU during the healing process Veda suffered two mild strokes while in ICU.  After they got the brain spams under control she began to smile and wave at doctors and nurses. One doctor said: “I’ve never seen anything like this in my career, she is definitely a miracle”.  She was moved from ICU to a regular room, were for the first time was able to see family via ZOOM because of COVID-19. Veda was soon stable enough to be released to a rehab facility, we requested that she be moved to Shepard Center for rehab.  But because of COVID-19 bed space in the better facilities in metro Atlanta was limited, with few options she was moved to what was available.  While at the first rehab place we noticed, she was not making progress.  She was regressing and because of COVID-19 we could not visit to see and communicate our concerns with the staff.  But once a week over ZOOM calls we could see things were not improving.  Inquiring from the staff the 3 times we were able to speak with a doctor or therapist on what their plan for care was. They stated to us “wait and see what she does” after she has been there for four weeks.   We began to look for other facilities that would help her progress. Blessed with an opportunity to move her to our original choice and within the first 24 hours of her arrival they had identified four complications that were preventing the healing process. They have spent the first month of her stay treating the complications created from the lack of treatment from first facility.  Now Veda is starting to make major progress and is able to utilize all of the therapies of the rehabilitation hospital to the fullest. She is gaining strength and coordination in her left side while in their care. Our goal is to make her transition from therapy to home smooth. So she can get back to the Veda we all KNOW and LOVE. The Wright Family will be forever grateful for your love and support.  


Veda McNeal-Wright is "that girl" the person when you meet her you know she is special in the most complimentary way. Veda has never met a stranger in her life, she is the person who meets a new best friend while waiting in line to pay for groceries.   Veda is one who treats everyone she encounters with love and compassion no matter what their station, which has afforded relations with people from all walks of life.  Veda was born and raised in Wynne, Arkansas and was the starting point guard on the 1989 girls high school state championship. Because of her great basketball skills attended UMKC on athletic scholarship where she played for coach Brian Agler of WNBA Dallas Wings.  Due to injury her colligate basketball career was cut short.  Veda went on to serve in the Air Force where she continued to play basketball at its highest level.  Representing the Air Force in its all Armed Forces tournaments.  After serving, the veteran relocated to Atlanta, Ga where she reunited and married her husband. The mother of two and parent of four has lived active and healthy lifestyle.  Continuing her education received a B.A. from Clayton State University.  Veda began a career in fitness working with a couple cooperate gyms in metro Atlanta. Eventually getting her dream job, where loving personality and desire to help others could be fulfilled, catering to seniors.  Veda was employed at H.J.C. Bowden Senior Center where she was loved by all.  While living in GA her heart was in Arkansas and wanted to bring heathy living to her hometown. As the founder and CEO of the Roberta Richardson-Willie Hinton Race for Hope. This 501C3 foundation does an annual walk and health fair in Wynne, Arkansas to bring awareness and to promote a healthy lifestyle for 8 years. Donating the funds raised to Wynne cancer survivors needing assistance with their care and to St. Jude in Memphis, TN.  Veda is also a radio personality on Fox Trap Radio and has her own show called “Wright-On Time”.  She has worked with numerous organizations around metro Atlanta lending her talents in fitness or her infectious smile in front of a camera.  Most notable Atlanta’s Bronze Lens Film Festival during celebrity interviews on many Red Carpets events. During Veda’s entire life her passion for people the giving of herself, talents came from her loving mother. Whom as the only child of Essie Mae McNeal she lost in 2019.  This past year has been hard on Veda coming to terms with losing her mother, but it has also strengthen her relationship with GOD and devotion to Global Impact Christian Ministries in Stockbridge, Ga.  As I opened with why she is "that girl" just a glimpse into who she is and why she is special.