Support Pam Leclere in her Brain Injury Recovery

In July 2021, tragedy struck our family. Our sister, Pam walked into the medic facility located where she worked complaining of nausea and collapsed, unconscious and not breathing. She was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where she was diagnosed with a brain bleed. The family was told by the doctors that they were unsure if she would even survive to be airlifted to the nearest trauma center. She was anointed by a priest, and then transferred by helicopter to a Trauma Center where emergency surgery was performed to repair a brain aneurysm, that resulted in a stroke and significant brain injury. At that time, we did not know if Pam would survive, and if she survived, what would be her level of recovery. We have since learned that a brain aneurysm induced stroke is rare in the United States with fewer than 200,000 cases/year.

Pam awoke the morning after surgery, was able to breathe on her own, was talking, moving all extremities, even was able to eat a little. The good news was temporary, as Pam experienced multiple complications during her 40 days in the intensive care unit where she underwent five (5) additional procedures. She finally stabilized and recovered enough to transfer to an inpatient rehab hospital, where she began physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Eighty (80) days after her Brain Aneurysm rupture, Pam was discharged to her rural home and required a hospital bed, a lift for getting her in/out of bed, a wheelchair, and an infusion pump for feedings and medications. She was unable to speak with any clarity, walk on her own or feed herself. She began outpatient therapy 4-5 days/week being transported the 100-mile round trip by a hired wheelchair accessible van.

Pam's strength and determination emerged when she came home. In a little over six (6) weeks, Pam could walk with help, communicate, and is eating enough that she is almost ready to get the feeding tube removed. She continues to go to outpatient therapy but can now ride in her own car with family doing the driving. We are seeking funds for Pam so she can remain in her own home. We know recovery averages two (2) years, and this is a long-term process but with your help and Pam's strength and determination we are committed to seeing her recover.

We want to tell you a little about our family and our sister. Pam is the second youngest of six (6) siblings. Pam has two (2) adult children. Her son lives in the same town as Pam and her daughter lives 500 miles away. Pam also has one granddaughter (the love of Pam's life) who is in kindergarten and lives 500 miles away. When our dad was diagnosed with cancer, Pam helped our mom care for him so he could remain in their home until his death in 2003. After dad passed, Pam took care of our mom who had congestive heart failure and dementia so she could remain in her home until mom's death in 2011. Pam's husband died of pancreatic cancer in 2013, leaving Pam as a 52-year-old widow. Pam bravely took the steps to remain independent by downsizing her home and securing employment. She lived alone with her companion dog "Hershey” who died in 2019. To keep her company, Pam obtained a goldendoodle and named him "Henry" after her late husband. Henry and Pam enjoyed their daily walks around the neighborhood. Henry is currently being cared for by family until Pam is stronger. He does come for short visits which always create a big smile on Pam.

Our family has learned a lot through this experience, and we are so grateful for the support of our family, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, therapists, community churches and organizations.

As a family we are united in supporting Pam's recovery. During Pam's hospitalization and inpatient rehab, at least one family member was present with her EVERY DAY. Now that she is home and requires 24/7 care, family members are taking shifts of caregiving as well as providing transportation and accompanying Pam to each medical, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy appointment. Health insurance has paid for the majority of her medical, therapy, and prescription costs. Private caregiver costs are not covered by insurance. Because, as a family, we are unable to provide all the care needed by Pam, private caregivers are being paid to cover the times when family cannot be with her.

When Pam became a widow at age 52, she inherited her late husband’s retirement funds. In addition to downsizing to reduce her household expenses, Pam cleaned houses and worked at an amusement park to generate additional income. In April 2021, Pam became eligible for Social Security Widow Benefits. She is not able to work now and it's uncertain if she ever will be able to return to work. Pam has routine expenses of a mortgage payment on her home, a car payment, property taxes, health, property and vehicle insurance, utilities, food and household supplies and maintenance. These "routine" expenses can be covered by her Social Security income, but the out of pocket medical and caregiver costs cannot.

Currently, these out-of-pocket costs (around $300/day) are now being paid from the retirement funds she inherited from her late husband and those funds are rapidly being depleted. Therapists tell us with more time and work Pam should be able to walk independently and regain much of her overall independence. We have seen tremendous progress since she came home. All donations will be used to help pay private caregivers and other out of pocket medical costs. It is our goal to keep Pam in her own home and once again see her walking her dog Henry around the neighborhood. On behalf of our sister, Pam, please help us by contributing toward our goal of $50,000. Thank you in advance for your generosity.