Barb's Rehab after Motorcycle Crash

After considerable persuasion and in light of the significant out-of-pocket cost of Barb's medical needs, Josh has graciously agreed to accept some financial help from family and friends both new and old.  We appreciate you taking the time to help spread the word and are grateful for any support you can provide. 

What the heck happened?  On July 19, 2015, after spending an amazing week with a group of her best buddies riding the Dragon, Maggie Valley, and other parts of the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, Barb Frechette was following "her guy" (as she likes to call her husband Josh) onto the parkway when she lost control of her motorcycle and had a high-side motorcycle crash.  Thankfully North Carolina is a helmet state, and she was about 5 minutes away from Mission Hospital, which has a Level 2 Trauma Center.  Notwithstanding, Barb suffered severe injuries and will need extensive rehabilitation.

What are Barb's injuries?  Even with her helmet on, Barb fractured her skull on the right side, which forced major swelling on the left side of her brain--the analytical side responsible for cognitive learning such as language and memory.  She also broke her clavicle and several ribs, at least one of which punctured her lung.  After some swelling subsided, Josh discovered she also broke a wrist.  Thankfully the body is an amazing machine, and she is doing quite well medically.

So, what's Barb's prognosis?  This is, of course, the million dollar question.  It's one that doctors refuse to answer, and rightfully so.  As it turns out, brain injuries are quite unique, complex, and unpredictable in their long-term consequences.  The good news is that she moves all of her limbs, can talk, and recognizes most people when pictures are shown to her.  But she does not always make sense, and she shows some signs of memory inconsistency.  Only time will tell the full extent of Barb's impairments. 

How can I help Barb?  It is unclear at this point what Barb's long-term needs will be.  What we do know is that the best outcome for Barb involves intensive inpatient rehabilitation, which is quite expensive.  Obviously, this is where Barb's extensive network of friends and family pays off (literally and figuratively).  The financial toll this unfortunate accident will take on Barb and Josh is one they need not incur alone.  Each of us can help by donating any amount of money to help with Barb's medical needs.  She started rehabilitation in North Carolina on August 8, 2015.  She is expected to remain there for at least three weeks.

Tell me more about Barb!  Most people reading this site know Barb.  You know she's a faithful Greek Orthodox, loving wife, doting mother, loyal friend, skilled lawyer, avid motorcyclist, accurate historian (seemingly no clean slates), forgiving realist (clean slates for all), obsessive Steelers fan (yes, it's alright to hold this against her so long as it does not decrease the amount of money you contribute), Colts fan when they are not playing the Steelers, Pacers fan, self-critical, dog loving, hardworking, super crazy amazing person.  But my self-indulgent side will not allow me to "preview and save" this story without articulating how I have described Barb since the second I met her. 

Barb is full of energy--like a border collie off her leash.  She seemingly can move mountains single-handedly.  The term "giver" does not begin to describe Barb.  She will drop everything and help anyone--even perfect strangers--with anything, oftentimes to her detriment, all without pause. 

She has a way of making each person being fortunate enough to know her feel special.  Barb has the rare gift of forging a deep and special connection with nearly each person to whom she comes in contact.  Each of us quickly becomes a "sister from another mister" or a "brother from another mother."  Yeah, I know...you thought it was just you, right?  ;)  Barb does that.  She is one of the most caring and loving people I know...a rare gift indeed.

In closing.  Our friend and family member Barb can really use our help right now.  Please consider making a contribution, perhaps more than one.  Any amount is greatly appreciated.  Please also pass this page along and ask others who may feel compelled to help Barb.  Finally, keep Barb in your thoughts and prayers as she travels through this long journey ahead. 

"Life is too long when you're miserable.  The secret to happiness is love of self, family, and friends." ~Barb Frechette

Thanks in advance.