The town of Crowley is coming together in a heartwarming display of solidarity to support Lisa Leger, an Arnaudville resident whose health struggles have intensified since a severe auto accident a decade ago.
Lisa Leger, who has endured multiple surgeries and now relies on a 24/7 oxygen machine, faces life-threatening challenges due to frequent power outages. “I was in a coma under Jane Doe; I was never supposed to walk again,” Leger recalls, reflecting on the gravity of her condition.
Leger’s life is now dependent on a constant supply of electricity to keep her oxygen machine operational. “But when the electricity goes out, I can’t breathe, and I have been back and forth to the emergency room,” she explains, voicing her deep concern about worsening power outages during the hurricane season.
Her fears are not unfounded. The frequent blackouts in her area, compounded by the possibility of storms, leave her in a constant state of anxiety. “I just want to be able to breathe,” she says. “Every day, I feel like it could be my last. I am scared; I don’t want to die.”
With her family living far away and reliant on emergency services that struggle with long response times, Leger has been reaching out for help. “I can’t breathe, and my car lets me down, so I call 911, but it is so far out that it takes a while for them to get here,” she adds.
The situation has touched the hearts of many in the Crowley area. Crowley Fire Chief Louis Romero expressed his compassion, stating, “My heart breaks for her.”
Efforts to support Leger have transcended parish lines, with Crowley’s fire department, local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, and area businesses rallying to organize a fundraiser. Romero highlighted the community’s response, “The business community reached out to us and asked if we can cook Jambalaya, so we responded to action.”
Eric Berken from the Rotary Club has been instrumental in the fundraising efforts. He has been distributing tickets and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Leger. “She has told me that no one has ever done anything like this for her, but people do care, and she matters,” Berken shared.
The community’s generosity has given Leger hope. “There are no programs out there to help her because of her situation, so just consider that. You do not have to give much, but whatever you can give will add up and will be used to put her in a better situation,” Berken urged.
The Jambalaya fundraiser, scheduled for September 5th at the Crowley Fire Department, will feature pork and sausage Jambalaya with black-eyed peas, green bean casserole, and bread for $15 per plate. The goal is to raise $15,000 to purchase a generator for Leger’s medical needs.
Large orders can be placed in advance by calling Brain Boulet with Cajun Blast at (337) 788-0880. Orders of 25 or more can be delivered in the Acadia Parish area and within the City of Lafayette. Pickup will be available at the Crowley Fire Department, located at 104 West Hutchinson Ave, between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
All proceeds from the event will go directly towards acquiring a generator to ensure Leger’s oxygen machine operates continuously during power outages. “It’s a blessing, and I never thought anyone would help me or go out of their way; I am truly overwhelmed and so grateful,” Leger expressed, reflecting her profound appreciation for the community’s support.
related topics:
