This is a sad story. I can not give this story justice but will copy the words written by the mother of this child and the one who wrote the title. Here are her words:

June 4th, 2009 Lea was brought to Shady Grove Medical Center because she made the TERRIBLE decision to try heroin. She overdosed. She went into cardiac arrest twice. Lea died 2 times while at the emergency room. By the Grace of God, he brought her back to me. She was transported to Children's Hospital in D.C. where she has been in a coma for the last 14 days. She was on life support for 12 days and was just taking off of the respirator yesterday. She is still having a hard time adjusting and breathing on her own but every hour she makes a little improvement. The heroin has caused Lea to have severe brain injury to the white matter in her brain. No one can tell us at this point if it is recoverable. She may never come out of this and be the same girl we all know and love. There is a chance that it is recoverable and would require months of intensive rehabilitation at a rehabilitation hospital. I haven't left her side in 16 days and I've seen her have seizures, not be able to breath and just lay lifeless in the bed. I have cried so many tears that I don't believe I have any left but they always manage to find there way back. We had a tiny bit of good news yesterday when Lea opened her eyes and the Dr. said "Lea, Lea, Can you look over here at me" It took Lea a few seconds but she did do it. I was so emotional that I just sobbed. Finally a sign of hope! Her breathing rate is starting to become more normal. When they took her off of the respirator she was breathing 66 breaths per minute. To put that in perspective, the average person breaths 15 breaths per minute so you can imagine how fast she was breathing. It has been scary watching all of these things happening. Although Lea has opened her eyes, she is still not making any signs of recognition. I don't know that she sees me or not. She's not able to talk at this point. All I know is that I need each and every one of you who love Lea and sincerely want nothing but the best for her, to please pray that she'll come out of this. For those of you reading this just because you're nosey asses...go away. This is for people who love Lea. I will keep you posted as I know more.

Don't forget Lea.

These are the first written words of Lisa Edgecomb of Gaithersburg, Maryland penned on June 20th. She is the proud mother of three wonderful girls. Andreana who has special needs at the age of 19. Krista who is 9 years old, and Lea a 15 years old who would be starting her sophomore year of high school. Lea is one of the most loving girls you could meet. Anyone who has met Lea will remember three things. One - those big beautiful brown eyes. Two - Her laugh and how she can touch your heart with it. Three - How blessed you feel to have met her.

Today 4 weeks after the event, Lea lays in a hospital bed at the Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. in ICU. Her mother is always by her side. Image Lea as your own child.

One of Lisa’s co-workers has kindly set-up the link below which will allow you to make a donation if you choose to do so. This has been done because so many have asked to help.

http://tiny.cc/bT7gw

All money received will go towards childcare for Andreana and Krista so Lisa can spend as much time with Lea as possible and also towards Lea’s medical bills (what the insurance doesn’t cover).

Please share this with everyone you know. The web site to get updates on Lea is:

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/AllForLea

I would like everyone to know Lea has always been an outgoing, beautiful girl and just a joy to be around. Lea is the kind of girl that can make you smile on your worst day. We can't turn our heads and say "Not my child" Kids WILL be curious and kids THINK they are invincible and kids THINK "Nothing will happen to them". Lisa and Lea will have a very long road ahead of them. You can sign on and leave Lisa and Lea a note of encouragement.

I will also be putting this up on my web site should anyone wish to provide that link to anyone instead of copying this into a newsletter or email.

Let’s all keep Lea, Lisa and the girls in our prayers.

We are all in His hands,

Robert Matelski

www.robertmatelskiministry.com

[Posted on: Jul 02, 2009 09:37 PM]