Photo: Contributed
Barb Leclair was able to return to her job after her motorcycle crash.
Barb Leclair is alive today because of Kelowna General Hospital, and she is living her previous life to the best of her ability thanks to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
Time is running out for you to support both of those organizations while also having the opportunity to win a dream home or other amazing prizes through the Lake Life Lottery. Proceeds from the Interior’s newest lottery will stay local and go directly to KGH and YMCA, two institutions for which Leclair is most grateful.
The Kelowna woman was in a motorcycle crash in July 2016 that should have taken her life. Her pelvis was destroyed and detached from her right hip, her left humerus was broken in three places, she broke my right wrist, and she had several other cracked bones. Worst of all, she suffered severe nerve damage to her right arm after rupturing two nerves in my shoulder.
Leclair was transported to KGH, where she underwent major surgery twice within a week of the crash. She spent nearly three months in the hospital: approximately one week in ICU, a couple of weeks on the fourth floor and the remainder of time in the rehabilitation wing.
“My memories of those weeks, although foggy at times, are those of kindness, compassion, caring, and the maintenance of my dignity,” Leclair says. “I received encouragement that pushed me just the right amount to begin and continue my healing journey. There are no words to express my thanks for the care I received during these months.”
Following surgery to repair the nerves, Leclair started a rehabilitation program at the Kelowna Family YMCA that has helped her immensely. Even though her arm is not back to the way it was before the crash, she is able to write with her right hand, play an adaptive form of golf and swim at the Y six times a week.
“I have stayed consistent with my rehab at the Y, and I credit access to the facility and staff with assisting me so far along in my healing journey, orthopedically, neurologically and emotionally,” she says. “The Y gave me the tools and equipment I needed to strengthen and rebuild my body and mind after such a life changing experience.”
Unfortunately, there are many other stories like Leclair’s, but the good news is there is KGH and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to heal and rehabilitate. Lake Life Lottery will raise substantial funds for both, but the deadline to purchase tickets is approaching quickly.
The Grand Prize is a $1.75 million dream home by the lake from Harmony Homes in Lake Country’s Lakestone development. It has everything you would ever want to enjoy lake living. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, five parking spaces, a triple-car tandem garage, 2,788 square feet and a gourmet kitchen are just some of the dream home’s features. The house is located high up in the development, too, giving you a view of Okanagan Lake, Bennett Bridge and the valley itself.
You will also have the opportunity to rake in up to $750,000 in cash through Lake Life Lottery’s 50/50 draw. That amount of cash would definitely take your lake living lifestyle to the next level.
Act quickly, however, because the Grand Prize draw will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, and the deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, Nov. 24. There are several ways to buy, including online here or by phone at 1-888-239-0038.
No matter what, you will be supporting two Interior institutions that are critical to health and well-being of all residents.
Barb Leclair is living proof of the difference they make.
Photo: Contributed
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
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