Support Leah Pugh's Family Needs & Memorial

On the morning of July 29, 2024, my mom, Leah, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest attack. Bystanders immediately performed CPR until paramedics arrived on scene. She was taken to the hospital and remained in the ER until being transferred to the ICU later that evening. However, she was placed into a medically induced coma to prevent further brain damage.

In cases of cardiac arrest survivors, she underwent targeted temperature management or therapeutic hypothermia where the body is cooled between 32°C to 36°C. Lowering the person's body temperature can also reduce brain damage sustained from the arrest.

Initial testing from two EEG tests and an MRI scan showed that my mom suffered severe brain damage from lack of oxygen which was an indication of anoxic brain injury. This was evident in the movements my mom was physically exhibiting such as myoclonus which are muscle jerks and decerebrate posturing. Both of these are abnormal movements when the brain is irritated, and if present in a coma, imply a poor prognosis.

The doctors wanted to give my mom the best chance at recovery given her age and did everything they could. Unfortunately, even off sedation, my mom was not responding and showed no purposeful movement to any stimuli. She showed no signs of waking up or wanting to wake up even though there was nothing hindering her ability to do so. And, even if she did, the person that we all knew her as, would sadly not be there anymore.

Neurological recovery almost two weeks in was very, very poor. This is where the conversation came about pulling life support because the ventilator could only stay in for so long, and my mom's body was beginning to weaken. The doctors reassured us and me especially, that this wasn't a decision we'd have to make as my mom's body already made the decision. So, on Monday, August 12, the ventilator was removed but my mom, being the fighter that she was, still had respiratory drive. The focus now was to keep her as comfortable as possible.

My mom would continue to breathe on her own until Wednesday, August 14 at 11:09 AM where she passed peacefully.

I genuinely could not have asked for a better mother. She gave it her all to raise me as a single-parent so I could have a bright and successful future. She taught me the importance of being grateful and kind to those around me. She taught me to stay grounded and to always give it your best even when it's rough. Her love and care for others is something I will continue to carry on.

As I navigate this road with the help of those close to me, I am starting this GoFundMe to help with the financial needs that I cannot support with my own income such as rent, car payments, insurance, and etc. The funds will also go towards a cremation niche where my mom will rest and be named in her honor. No matter the donation, big or small, it will be a tremendous help during this difficult time. I kindly ask that the communities near and far share my story with friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers.

I appreciate any support that is given and am forever grateful for any efforts that are put forward. We are taking this process step by step and will plan a Celebration of Life in the near future to remember and honor the loving mother, friend, colleague, and person that was my mom, Leah Pugh.

Thank you to those who have read this far. Thank you for any contributions you are able to give or share. And, thank you for joining my loved ones and I as we approach this new journey together.