<div>Help Leah and Natalie Heal After a Traumatic Injury
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<div>This past Friday night, Leah and her partner Natalie were relaxing at home in Charlotte after spending a beautiful day on the lake. Without warning, a bullet came through the wall of their bedroom from outside of the house and struck Leah in the face — traveling through her jaw and chin.
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<div>It was a sudden, unimaginable tragedy.
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<div>Natalie rushed Leah to the ER, still in shock and not yet fully understanding what had happened. Miraculously, Leah’s injuries were not life-threatening — but they are extremely serious. She has already undergone the first of several surgeries, with more to come, including major jaw reconstruction and extensive dental procedures.
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<div>From the moment the bullet hit, Leah has shown unimaginable courage. Despite the physical pain, emotional trauma, and fear, she has met each day with determination, grit, and grace. Her ability to stay strong — even smile and comfort others — is nothing short of inspiring. She is not only surviving this trauma, she is fighting to heal, and she’s doing it with a resilience that leaves everyone around her in awe.
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<div>And right beside her, every step of the way, has been Natalie. In the midst of chaos and fear, Natalie sprang into action — getting Leah to the ER, advocating for her care, and staying by her side day and night. Her calm presence, fierce love, and unwavering support have been Leah’s anchor through it all. Their bond is powerful, and their love is a light in one of the darkest moments of their lives.
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<div>Now, as Leah begins her long road to recovery, both she and Natalie are facing overwhelming challenges — emotionally, physically, and financially.
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<div>They are now navigating:
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<div>•	Ongoing medical bills not fully covered by insurance
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<div>•	Lost income as Leah recovers and Natalie takes on the role of caregiver
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<div>•	The need to move to a new home to regain a sense of safety
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<div>•	A complete disruption of their work, home, and financial stability
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<div>This GoFundMe was created by loved ones who want to rally behind these two incredible women. Every donation — no matter how small — will go directly toward Leah’s medical care, recovery expenses, housing, and daily needs as they rebuild their lives.
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<div>If you can’t give at this time, please share this page or send a message of support. Every bit of love makes a difference.
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<div>Leah’s bravery is extraordinary. Natalie’s devotion is unshakable. And together, with the support of their community, they will get through this.
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<div>Thank you for standing with them.
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<div>#LoveForLeah #TeamLeahAndNat
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Sydney Sanders

Michelle Parker

Charlotte McMullen

Anonymous

Blanton Leigh

Laurie Horsley

Drew Mangione

John OConnor

Julia Bambera

Lisa Franklin-Prioleau

Stand with Leah and Natalie: A Journey to Heal

Stand with Leah and Natalie: A Journey to Heal

Still $3,304 to go. Help us build momentum.