Team Tara Shea McLaughlin
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The Shea sisters are seeking support for our sister, Tara Shea McLaughlin, to assist with extensive physical therapy and medical needs to support Tara in adjusting to her “new normal” resulting from her paralyzing accident that confines her to a wheelchair.
Our sister, Tara Shea McLaughlin, sustained a broken back on July 15th while vacationing in North Carolina with nineteen family members. Many people had already jumped into Lake Fontana from a popular spot and adventurous Tara landed awkwardly in the water. Her back and legs were in intense pain and Fire Rescue transported her to Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Tara’s first surgery to fuse the T-12 vertebra on July 16th appeared successful and neurosurgeons advised us she would require physical therapy, but that she would walk again. Four days later, after long periods of intense agony, she woke up and couldn’t feel nor move her legs or feet and had no feeling in her lower torso. She was rushed to a second emergency surgery to repair and address a blood clot in her spinal column. Although surgeons removed the blood clot, Tara has not regained feeling in her legs/lower torso, and she is confined to a wheelchair.
Tara was medically transported to Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Center after nearly 2 weeks in Asheville, NC. The month of August had Tara braving intense physical therapy sessions three times a day. Tara’s determination and humor have been noted by her nurses and therapists as she learns how to transfer herself from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to car, and wheelchair to shower chair using only her arms. Tara has been frustrated but not defeated by her situation. Her new mantra, “You Never Know How Strong you are Until Being Strong is your Only Choice”, has gotten her through some tough days and has kept her positive attitude solid. Her husband, Brian, has been by her side nearly 24/7 in the days and weeks since the accident offering support and being her number one cheerleader.
In recent days, she was discharged from TGH Rehab Center. It has been a difficult transition to their home including an ambulance ride to the ER on Labor Day to address complications. The entire family is “all in” on learning how to care and help Tara live as independently as possible. Modifications such as wheelchair ramps and a hospital bed have been added to their home.
She looks forward to returning to work as Director of Admissions at Clearwater Central Catholic High School in the near future. Brian will be her primary care giver while working in a very reduced capacity at his job.
Ongoing home health care, transportation to therapy, home modifications, and medical supplies, are some of the items not covered by insurance.
If you know Tara, then you know that:
She loves swimming with manatees in Crystal River, making folks feel comfortable, and all things Marcia Brady. She started a group called the "RAW" club at Notre Dame -- Refuse to Accept Winter – and every Thursday, the members would wear shorts. She spent a year in Ireland on a Rotary scholarship, backpacked through Europe, and can give a hell of a speech or memorable eulogy. Tara still has her original CCC school ID's, a dress from her 5-year old self and her “Best Team Member” trophy from her 7th grade swim team. Tara is hilarious and loyal, and she and Brian have dug deep and helped people in tough spots get back on their feet. She is known as the princess in our family of 5 daughters and she’s never washed a Thanksgiving Day dish. Tara is always up for an adventure or to be part of a Kentucky family reunion. She’s a wonderful mom to their 3 kids, and her 18-year old son, James, has her listed in his cell contacts as “Better Than Butter”. As water is her happy place, Tara is eagerly awaiting the day we can take a trip to Clearwater Beach and has the beach wheelchair rental phone number ready to go. She is a treasure.
Tara and Brian are extremely proud people and would never ask for help, but they need it as they face this uncertain next chapter. Continued prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated, and if you would like to help additionally, please know we are very grateful.
Thanks so much,
Kathy, Trish, Molly, and Eileen
Our sister, Tara Shea McLaughlin, sustained a broken back on July 15th while vacationing in North Carolina with nineteen family members. Many people had already jumped into Lake Fontana from a popular spot and adventurous Tara landed awkwardly in the water. Her back and legs were in intense pain and Fire Rescue transported her to Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Tara’s first surgery to fuse the T-12 vertebra on July 16th appeared successful and neurosurgeons advised us she would require physical therapy, but that she would walk again. Four days later, after long periods of intense agony, she woke up and couldn’t feel nor move her legs or feet and had no feeling in her lower torso. She was rushed to a second emergency surgery to repair and address a blood clot in her spinal column. Although surgeons removed the blood clot, Tara has not regained feeling in her legs/lower torso, and she is confined to a wheelchair.
Tara was medically transported to Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Center after nearly 2 weeks in Asheville, NC. The month of August had Tara braving intense physical therapy sessions three times a day. Tara’s determination and humor have been noted by her nurses and therapists as she learns how to transfer herself from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to car, and wheelchair to shower chair using only her arms. Tara has been frustrated but not defeated by her situation. Her new mantra, “You Never Know How Strong you are Until Being Strong is your Only Choice”, has gotten her through some tough days and has kept her positive attitude solid. Her husband, Brian, has been by her side nearly 24/7 in the days and weeks since the accident offering support and being her number one cheerleader.
In recent days, she was discharged from TGH Rehab Center. It has been a difficult transition to their home including an ambulance ride to the ER on Labor Day to address complications. The entire family is “all in” on learning how to care and help Tara live as independently as possible. Modifications such as wheelchair ramps and a hospital bed have been added to their home.
She looks forward to returning to work as Director of Admissions at Clearwater Central Catholic High School in the near future. Brian will be her primary care giver while working in a very reduced capacity at his job.
Ongoing home health care, transportation to therapy, home modifications, and medical supplies, are some of the items not covered by insurance.
If you know Tara, then you know that:
She loves swimming with manatees in Crystal River, making folks feel comfortable, and all things Marcia Brady. She started a group called the "RAW" club at Notre Dame -- Refuse to Accept Winter – and every Thursday, the members would wear shorts. She spent a year in Ireland on a Rotary scholarship, backpacked through Europe, and can give a hell of a speech or memorable eulogy. Tara still has her original CCC school ID's, a dress from her 5-year old self and her “Best Team Member” trophy from her 7th grade swim team. Tara is hilarious and loyal, and she and Brian have dug deep and helped people in tough spots get back on their feet. She is known as the princess in our family of 5 daughters and she’s never washed a Thanksgiving Day dish. Tara is always up for an adventure or to be part of a Kentucky family reunion. She’s a wonderful mom to their 3 kids, and her 18-year old son, James, has her listed in his cell contacts as “Better Than Butter”. As water is her happy place, Tara is eagerly awaiting the day we can take a trip to Clearwater Beach and has the beach wheelchair rental phone number ready to go. She is a treasure.
Tara and Brian are extremely proud people and would never ask for help, but they need it as they face this uncertain next chapter. Continued prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated, and if you would like to help additionally, please know we are very grateful.
Thanks so much,
Kathy, Trish, Molly, and Eileen
Fundraising team: Amazing Tara's 4 sisters (2)
Kathy Pedrero
Organizer
Tampa, FL
tara McLaughlin
Beneficiary
Molly Howard
Team member