Help Desiree Bruce's recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury
Desiree is an inspiration to all whose lives she has touched throughout her adventures. She is a two time breast cancer survivor in her short 33 years.
She has had a lifelong passion for horses, making many friends along the way. She has competed in Horse Trials throughout the Pacific Northwest during her riding career. Desiree has taken several horses from the race track to their second career as riding horses and competing in the sport of eventing.
Desiree brought several of her passions together when she started 'Jump For A Cure' to raise breast cancer awareness and funds throughout the eventing community.
http://eventingnation.com/home/chesna-klimek-eventers-jump-for-a-cure/
The Accident - Why are you reading about Desiree?
On March 7, 2014, Desiree was in an accident while riding her 17+ hand grey gelding, Quinn. They were enjoying a ride with their friend when Quinn tripped and fell. Although Desiree was wearing her helmet, she suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Desiree spent 19 days in a coma. While in a coma she battled pneumonia. She had a tracheotomy and feeding tube, couldn’t talk, could barely communicate (through mouthing words) and had no control over her limbs.
When she started physical therapy 6 weeks after her accident, she had only limited control of her right arm. Within 5 weeks she was standing and taking steps with the support of her therapists. For those of you who know Desiree, this is no surprise.
For the last month, Desiree has been in Harborview’s acute therapy in-patient program. The program consisted of physical, occupational and speech therapy, 5-6 sessions per day, 6 days per week.
She was discharged last week and is now entering Harborview’s out-patient intensive therapy program. We will know more about her therapy program in the next week once her therapists have finished establishing her new baseline, goals and treatment plan.
Expenses - How can you help?
While Desiree is in rehabilitation in Seattle, Andrew, her husband, is by her side every single day. They are both being supported by their families and close friends. Although she has long-term disability income, the living expenses and non-insurance covered medical expenses are mounting.
They have three Jack Russel Terriors and a German Shepard they call their children, as well as two horses, that are currently being cared for by wonderful friends in their home town.
Thank you for any support you can give Desiree and Andrew as they begin this next phase of their journey together in what is a long and challenging road through her rehabilitation.