YOUR IMPACT ON PATIENT-FAMILIES IN INTENSIVE CARE
MOVEFORLEX: THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF LOVE In July 2021, junior national triathlete champion Alexa ‘Lex’ Leary was on a routine training ride when she clipped a teammate’s wheel and was thrown at high speed with catastrophic results. She suffered severe brain injuries and her life changed in a moment. and patient care being provided. It was a need felt by families, rather than patients alone. They were struck by the despair of patients and loved ones separated by distance, the confusion of families navigating a strange new medical world and language, and the financial and emotional distress sourcing accommodation and basic needs. Within weeks of Alexa arriving at RBWH, the Learys partnered with the RBWH Foundation to launch the inspirational fundraising campaign, MoveForLex.com. Lex was airlifted to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) where she underwent emergency surgery with some of the State’s leading neurosurgeons. Lex would remain in a coma in ICU for a fortnight while her parents, Russell and Belinda, kept constant vigil.
In November 2021, the f irst $50,000 raised by MoveForLex.com was donated to the RBWH Neurosurgery ward for additional equipment. Focus has now turned to raising funds for WeCU.
Despite their personal anguish and turmoil, the couple could see a need that fell outside the excellent medical rbwhfoundation.com.au
RBWH Foundation 2021 DONOR IMPACT R E P O RT | 9
