Phoebe’s Fight - A Life Interrupted

This is a story of how life can change in an instant. 

My friend, Phoebe Gilbert, was on the fast track to success. An avid equestrian and nursing student,  Phoebe was driven and passionate.  During the summer of 2015 she was volunteering at the hospital and  giving private horse tours to make ends meet. 

Then one day, everything changed.   In the blink of an eye,  Phoebe was thrown from a horse and apparently dragged for some time. In the aftermath it was learned that she sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This marks the beginning of her fight.

Sadly there was no compensation or accountability on the part of the people for whom she worked. Daily medication is imperative to maintain and control her seizures.  She is disabled now and cannot work or live alone.  

 My dear friend , Lewis Trimble, is Phoebe’s boyfriend and caretaker.  Phoebe is now living with Lewis and his mother who is also disabled and in a wheelchair.   In addition, Lewis  runs his full time business while caring for the ones he loves. 

And here is where the story changes again. 

On Tuesday evening,  Phoebe left the home she shares with the Trimbles and went for a walk with her dog,  Duke.  After a short time Lewis became concerned that she hadn’t returned. Police were called and helicopters and search dogs were brought in to help find Phoebe. It wasn’t until the next morning when the sun rose that Phoebe was found where apparently she had suffered a seizure and became disoriented. She was alone in the dark for almost 14 hours. She is now in the hospital at VCU  where they are determining the extent of her injuries. 

While Phoebe  has disability coverage to take care of her medical expenses,  there is so much needed to help keep her safe. Her cell phone was antiquated and did not have location capabilities in such an emergency.  Lewis will need to make the trek from his store in kilmarnock to VCU, leaving his business to do so.  Phoebe will have to have around the clock care and supervision when she returns home as well as technology to maintain her safety. This is just the tip of the iceberg of expenses that will be burdening this family without our help. 

This story is one that could happen to any one of us. If you know Phoebe you know that she is an amazing young woman who got thrown a major curveball in her life. She’s loving and kind and fights every day to overcome obstacles.  If you know Lewis, you also know that his loving heart is truly like no other. He is a caretaker and loyal boyfriend and son that would put himself last for his friends and loved ones in need. 

I hope you will join me in not only giving any amount you can but in sharing this story with others, that they might find this a worthy cause for their donations , prayers and positive thoughts and words.  

Love and light, 
gillian.