Former Kucinich volunteer could use some help

[eridani]

Elizabeth was the South King County coordinator for the WA state Kucinich campaign--anything anyone can give would help.

Four months ago a few friends of Elizabeth Katy Brant started raising funds to pay rehabilitation expenses for a brain injury she sustained in a car accident in December, 2003. Now in just four months we're almost two-thirds of the way there. Our initial efforts focused on Elizabeth's large circle of friends and people whose lives she has personally touched. Now we are reaching beyond those who have already been incredibly generous, asking for help from anyone who is willing.

What follows is the story of Elizabeth and the effort to help her.

Elizabeth is a fifty-eight year old self-employed psychotherapist. In the early 1970's she helped set up the youth services bureau in South King County; one of her many achievements during those year—before opening her own private practice. She has been a small business owner in South King County since 1979, where she continues to be active in the local community. In 1991 she moved both her residence and business to Des Moines, WA. In recent years she has been an active participant and leader in peace and justice activities and progressive politics.

The passion fueling her activities, as well as her work as a psychotherapist and educator, is her deeply held belief that =everyone matters and everyone has the capacity and power to make a difference in the quality of life for all.

Elizabeth was injured when the car in which she was traveling was hit by one driven by an uninsured motorist. In addition to soft tissue injuries to her neck and back she sustained a traumatic brain injury. The medical treatment required quickly exceeded both auto and medical insurance limits.

Elizabeth initially struggled with this injury on her own. Within six =to eight months of the accident it became apparent that Elizabeth needed =further treatment for the brain injury. Her neurologist referred her to the neurological rehabilitation department at Virginia Mason Hospital where she was evaluated for their specialized program.

Elizabeth gradually came to realize she needed the help and support of her friends to make this program possible, so she finally, after much soul-searching, allowed us to give back to her some of the love she has extended to so many. We were thrilled we could finally help and began this fundraising effort. We initially thought that Elizabeth would need about $38,000 to cover the medical bills and her living expenses, however additional treatment needs have driven the cost estimate to $48,000.

Elizabeth began outpatient treatment three days a week in October, 2004.=A0 The Neurological Rehabilitation program, tailored to her needs, includes treatment designed to improve her ability to maintain focus of attention, ability to shift focus of attention, ability to maintain vigilance, perceptual feature identification, categorization, cognitive rigidity, cognitive flexibility, and speed of processing.

The program stresses improved functioning and independence at home, in the community and in her practice. Her team includes specialists in neuropsychology, speech and language pathology, cognitive therapy, physical and occupational therapies, as well as an MD specializing in brain injury, who oversees her program. The program is challenging and often overwhelming. Elizabeth, however, is able to see areas where she is making progress and is incredibly grateful to have access to these skilled and caring practitioners.

In the last week, her Rehab team has recommended a reduced frequency of treatment to allow her more time to implement some of what she has been learning in the program. This phase will take place gradually over the next several months.

The accident has left its mark on Elizabeth's brain, changing her life from that moment forth. What the program offers is an opportunity to reclaim another life, albeit a different one in many aspects from before the accident.

Our first fundraising effort was an "It's A Wonderful Life" letter, inspired by the old Jimmy Stewart movie: send out a call for help and her friends will respond. And indeed they did. Here's what we asked for, and what we've received so far. The checks continue to trickle in:

We asked They answered
$5,000 Two $10,000
Ten friends contribute $1,000 Five $5,000
Twenty friends contribute $500 Eight $4,000
Thirty friends contribute $250 Nine $2,250
Forty friends contribute $100 Twenty-eight $2,800
Fifty friends contribute $50 Fourteen $700
One hundred friends contribute $ 25 Ten $250
One hundred fifty friends contribute $10 Five $50

Total $25,050

After our "It's a Wonderful Life" letter was sent, we held two additional fundraisers: a benefit at the Irish Immigrant Pub in Seattle's University District, accompanied by a bike raffle. These events raised almost $3000.

It's a tribute to Elizabeth and her gift for touching people deeply that a handful of her friends have raised almost thirty thousand dollars in just four months. And, we have more work to do in order to reach our goal. That's where you come in. We are asking for your participation and support in helping us raise the remainder of the money.

We are currently planning an auction on June 4, 2005. For the auction to be successful, we need the help of people who don't know Elizabeth. We welcome your donation of goods or services.

Give because you are touched by Elizabeth's story. Give because you are outraged that our medical safety net has become so frayed that her riends must rely on the kindness of strangers. Give because you are inspired by the generosity of Elizabeth's friends. Whatever motivates you to give, we thank you.

With love and peace,

Renee Highberg
Lea Ann Strand
Debbie Maranville
Margarita Suarez
Karen Moore
Bob Tobin
And other friends who have joined us along the way

P.S. If you wish to make a cash contribution, please make your check payable to The EK Brant Rehab Fund and mail it to:
The EK Brant Rehab Fund
c/o Karen Moore
P.O. Box 13229, Des Moines, WA 98198
Direct questions to Karen Moore, kamoore38 at earthlink.net.