My sister Desiree is an inspiration to all whose lives she has touched throughout her adventures.

She is a two time breast cancer survivor in her short 33 years.  Fighting breast cancer for 9 years of her life has not stopped her from living life to the fullest.  She has been riding horses since she could walk and has competed in many horse events in her life.  As a hobby, she takes horses from the race track to their second career as eventing competitors.  Merging her passions and life experience, Desiree started ‘Jump For A Cure' to raise breast cancer awareness and funds throughout the eventing community.

The Accident - Why are you reading about Desiree?

On March 7, 2014, Desiree was in an accident while riding her 17+ hand grey gelding, Quinn. They were enjoying a ride with their friend when Quinn tripped and fell. Although Desiree was wearing her helmet, she suffered a traumatic brain injury.  

Desiree spent 19 days in a coma.  While in a coma she battled pneumonia.  She had a tracheotomy and feeding tube, couldn't speak, could barely communicate (through mouthing words), had only moments of being fully alert and had no control over her limbs.

When she started physical therapy 6 weeks after her accident, she had only limited control of her right arm. Within 5 weeks she was standing and taking steps with the support of her therapists.

For the last month, Desiree has been in Harborview’s acute intensive therapy in-patient program.  Physical, occupational and speech therapy 5-6 sessions per day, 6 days per week.  She was discharged last week and is now entering Harborview’s out-patient intensive therapy program. 

Fundraising - How can you help?

Desiree is a fighter!  She will walk again, but until she does, her husband Andrew is providing full time care for her, getting her to therapy, preparing all of her meals, making sure she does her homework, which means he is not able to work. 

This fundraiser is to help Desiree and Andrew get through this next phase – to get Desiree walking again.  When she is able to walk and be more independent with basic needs like getting to the bathroom and preparing food on her own, Andrew can go back to work. 

Thank you for any support you can give Desiree and Andrew as they begin this next phase of their journey together in what is a long and challenging road through her rehabilitation.