Leslie Creekmore went to the hospital in Ft. Smith, AR on January 11 having difficulty breathing after being sick. She was diagnosed with H1N1 flu that had developed into double pneumonia. Due to the fact that she was so ill and in her first trimester of pregnancy they sent her to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment. Things went from bad to worse. The treatment team induced a coma and put her on a ventilator to help her body heal with the help of medication. At 21 weeks gestation, the unborn baby died. Leslie's health deteriorated with many complications. She required the use of an ECMO machine and dialysis at one time. She made some improvement, but it did not last. Leslie passed away this morning.
I do not know this woman, but I was blessed to meet some of her family this weekend. I feel like I know them from following this journey they have been on, and my heart aches for them now. I can't help but imagine that Leslie is getting to be with her child now, and that makes me smile.
If you want to know more go to the Love for Leslie Facebook page and read all about it from the ones who knew and loved her best. If you want to help her family, donate to them directly on contact one of the vendors from Saturday's event that have fundraiser parties open.
Leslie isn't the only one that has been gravely ill with the flu this year. She was one of 15 critical cases in the hospital ICU in St. Louis. There have been around 40 deaths in Arkansas alone related to the flu. The hardest hit is the 18-59 age group, but it isn't discriminate. A dear friend's nephew was very ill a few weeks ago and spent time at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Blessedly, I saw video of him taking his first steps with a walker tonight via Facebook.
People, this can be prevented with a simple and inexpensive flu vaccination. I don't want to hear your excuses because I've made them myself. I will be getting my flu shot this week in Leslie's memory. I don't want to take the chance of leaving my loved ones because I had too any excuses. It's nothing to mess with - protect yourself and protect your children. I've taken care of my kids, and it's past time to take the next step and take care of myself.
This will be Leslie's legacy - to inspire people to get their flu shot. I'm sure if she could go back in time and get hers, she would.
~Heather
P.S. Please say a prayer for Leslie's family and friends. They are not just dealing with the loss of Leslie but also the unborn child. I think I could have been friends with Leslie. :(
No comments:
Post a Comment