Laura Leedy Update
Pastor David Klinedinst and I visited Laura Leedy and her family yesterday (Tuesday, Dec. 3) in the Berlin, Maryland, area. This update will be formatted with quick details first and then extended details for those who would like to read it. Also, please understand that I am not a medical professional and may not accurately represent those specific details.
Quick:
Laura has suffered a split aorta. After multiple consultations with specialists, it was determined that the damage was inoperable and unrepairable. She is sedated and unresponsive and is now on palliative care; it is anticipated she will pass any day now.
Her family is with her now, including children and grandchildren. We request not to visit so they can have this time with her themselves.
We prayed with the family and offered numerous means of support. They gladly and graciously received the prayers and pastoral visitation but declined the additional means of support.
They acknowledged her connection to our church and expressed a desire to honor her beliefs for the services that take place after she passes. Pastor Jeff and the church elders are in communication with the family regarding these matters.
Extended:
On Monday, Dec. 2, Laura and John were at a home in Berlin, MD, when she stated, “I don’t feel well.” She was sitting on a staircase and John came to her, offering help. She couldn’t adequately respond, so John called 911. EMTs arrived within seven minutes, checked her heart and lungs, and didn’t notice issues on site but took her to the area hospital, nine minutes away. At the time, it was believed to potentially be a stroke.
At the hospital, they performed a scan revealing the split aorta. Altogether, the length of the artery tear was almost the length of her torso. It was immediately recognized that this was a fatal condition. After consulting with the University of Maryland, it was determined that nothing could be done.
Laura’s mother suffered a similar but seemingly less severe issue, initially survived and was able to leave the hospital, but later in life experienced another split and passed away immediately.
Laura’s family contacted the same doctor who had worked with Laura’s mom, and he concurred with the current medical team’s recommendations.
She was placed on palliative care and is now heavily sedated, and measures are being taken to minimize discomfort. She could pass away at any time.
Laura, now in her early 60s, attempted to keep her health strong by exercising regularly and moderating her diet. Just last week, during a medical visit for an unrelated issue, a scan was performed that, among other things, showed no issues with this artery.
Family has traveled from other parts of Maryland, the Carolinas, and New York to be with her and one another; please continue to keep them in your prayers. Pastor David and I had numerous conversations with various family members and offered a collective prayer with the family, emphasizing the wonderful hope we have in God that all things will be made new and all tears wiped away soon.
We understand this is devastating news. It feels unreal for this to happen to someone like Laura, who only recently joined our church. John and other family members repeatedly assured us that she loves the Westminster Seventh-day Adventist Church and church family and that her spiritual experience had never been higher than now with us. Many of you positively impacted her and her decision to join the church. Thank you.
We live in a failed world with unparalleled problems. Anything can happen at any time. Have faith in God; He is faithful to us. Despite what happens here, something better is coming; leaning on that hope helps us through these difficult times. Maranatha.
