Stephanie Landers

On Monday, September 17 of this year, a wonderful lady, Stephanie (Cooley) Landers, was hit by a car while she was walking in a crosswalk in the intersection of Putnam and 2nd Street in Porterville, CA. Stephanie has been in Critical ICU in Visalia, CA, in a coma, with major brain trauma and multiple fractures. Stephanie is a newlywed, and her husband, Lee, had just accepted a new job in South Dakota. Thus, he is now here in Porterville on unpaid leave.

In a nutshell, Stephanie and Lee met while both in law enforcement 35 years ago in Portrville. They went their separate ways though never forgot each other. Both married others, and had children over the years. They reconnected about 10 months ago - Lee was living in Colorado and Stephanie living here in Porterville. They rekindled what they had so many years ago, were married at Avila Beach on August 7, and decided to find a forever home in a new place. They chose South Dakota. Lee took the lead, leaving his job in Colorado to accept another job, relocated to Rapid City, SD about three months ago while Stephanie was preparing her house to sell and then join him. They had been alternating visits every couple weeks. Lee knows this is in God’s plan and although very difficult has turned it over to Him.

Difficulties with financial situations has made things tough for them, and it will only get tougher. The medical facility is hoping to move Stephanie in a couple of weeks to another facility where she can receive more specialized help. In the meantime, Stephanie, has had to be air-lifted to the Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield for evaluation by another USC Neurosurgeon for consideration of surgery. Ultimately, weighing the options, pros/cons, it was decided no surgery at this time so airlifted back to Kaweah. She remains in a coma. Long term prognosis at this time is not known but will require out of the area specialized treatment and hopefully rehabilitation.

Since they were newlyweds a conservatorship has to be formed which has a retainer fee of $5,000 not covered by any insurance at this time.

First and foremost, the entire family is in need of prayers. Secondly, anyone who feels so moved and wishes to offer any financial help to cover costs for Stephanie and her husband during this time and the months ahead during treatment please do so. Thank you & God’s Blessings to all!