RBWH Foundation has launched a new fundraising campaign to support WeCU, the new family care program at the RBWH Intensive Care Unit.
‘Flex for Lex’ will run for the month of April and is named after Alexa Leary, who was cared for at RBWH following a traumatic brain injury. Lex and the movement ‘Move for Lex’ won hearts nationally and Lex became a committed RBWH ambassador after overcoming incredible odds to recover from a serious cycling accident.
The RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske said the concept of Flex for Lex was as simple as 1-2-3-lift!
“Sign on at FlexforLex.com.au, choose an arm exercise you pledge to complete every day in April, and then start lifting spirits by raising funds for WeCU,” said Ms Garske.
WeCU provides care and comfort to families, especially those from regional and remote areas. It offers a range of support measures from a concierge service which offers practical advice such as sourcing affordable accommodation, to bedside iPads connecting patients with families who are unable to visit.
“The RBWH Foundation has committed $1-million over two years for the WeCU program, the first of its kind in Australia to assist families through possibly one of the most traumatic stages of patient care,” said Ms Garske.
Lex’s father, Russell Leary, said his whole family had signed up to Flex for Lex and encouraged others to do the same.
“When you train, families in ICU gain,” said Russell.
“It doesn’t matter how much people give, every little bit helps.
“It makes you feel good and it helps out people in need.”
In July 2021, Lex Leary suffered life-changing brain injuries in a cycling accident while training on the Sunshine Coast. The successful triathlete had just won silver in the Junior World Titles in Switzerland and her dream was to represent Australia in the Olympics.
Just 19-years old at the time, Lex was not expected to recover from her injuries. She spent two weeks in an induced coma in RBWH ICU and two months in the Neurosurgery Ward. Her parents, Russell and Belinda, relocated from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane to be by her side.
Lex’s strength and determination inspired #moveforlex – a connection across the community to encourage people to move for those that can’t and an inspired way to help Lex connect with those supporting her recovery.
Belinda Leary believes Lex’s determination and fitness can be credited for her recovery.
“Russ and I say that Lex has been training her whole entire life for this moment,” said Belinda.
“Unfortunately, it had to be this moment, but it’s helped her get to where she is now, definitely.”
Lex is now back in the pool and though her recovery is far from over, she has been selected in Swimming Australia’s Para National Development squad.
This April, you too can be strong for families, like the Learys. Sign up for Flex for Lex today and help the RBWH Foundation raise the bar for families with loved ones in ICU.