The RBWH Foundation has issued a national ‘call to arms’, asking Australians to flex some muscle this April for families with loved ones in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
In partnership with the family of RBWH traumatic brain injury patient, Alexa Leary (pictured), the Foundation has launched ‘Flex for Lex’, a month-long fundraising campaign. Lex won hearts nationally and became a committed RBWH ambassador after overcoming incredible odds to recover from a serious cycling accident in mid-2021.
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, a RBWH family care program for those with loved ones in ICU,” said Ms Garske.
RBWH is one of three major trauma hospitals for Queensland, accepting critically sick and injured patients from all over the state, Northern New South Wales, Northern Territory and parts of the Pacific Rim.
The Leary family’s experience during Lex’s care helped inspire WeCU, a program which 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 believes WeCU to be the first program of its kind in Australia which eases 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, Russell’s daughter Lex suffered life-changing brain injuries in a horrific 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 Noosa 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 in ICU.
