Help 'Big-Hearted' Westfield Native Survive Cardiac Infection

WESTFIELD, NJ - Westfield High graduate Lesha Brummell did the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights supporting Special Olympics on Feb. 23. Less than a month later, the local softball coach is fighting for her life in the Neuro-ICU of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and her family is asking for help.

Brummell suffered a pair of strokes brought on by endocarditis, according to her sister Carlotta King. Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. The doctors told King and the rest of Brummell's family she needs open-heart surgery to replace a valve.

"She suffered two mini strokes which left her with no movement in her right arms, difficulty talking and communicating thoughts," King said. "She has had high blood pressure and a fever which is preventing doctors from proceeding with this life saving surgery."

When Brummell gains the all-clear for surgery, it will be the beginning of a long road to recovery. A road that King says the family needs help travelling. To that end, the family has launched a GoFundMe page.

"Lesha, her mom, dad, sisters, and brother are facing significant medical bills as a family that won’t end once her road to recovery begins," King said. "Follow-up appointments with specialists and physical and emotional recovery will extend for years as Lesha will need to be under close medical supervision."

King told Patch that she started the campaign to aid with the medical bills and her long road of recovering that's ahead after open heart surgery.

"She has to be stable first before they can perform surgery but the family are waiting our option between mechanical and prosthetic valve since she cannot make the decision for herself," King said. "As soon as her blood pressure is stable and fever reduced, the surgery will be performed."

In the interim, friends have been emailing and posting messages of support for Brummell.

"Lesha is such a happy and sweet soul," Andrea Pinho said. "Praying for her recovery."

Caitlin Quinones told Patch that Brummell has a big heart and is a wonderful person. Mark Draughon echoed those sentiments.

"Get well we love you dearly," he said. "Keep that same joyful energy."

Lauren Zuena credited Brummell with changing her life.

"Lesha is the reason I met my husband and have a family today," she said. "I am thinking of her and sending all positivity for her upcoming battles."

Kelly Krieger urged Brummell to lean on her family's strength.

"You are strong and brave just like your Momma and sisters," she said. "You got this honey."

Those interested can visit the GoFundMe Page here for more information or to donate.

Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.