Luncheon to benefit teen car-crash victim

On Nov. 3, 2006, Leslie had her life change forever. She was in a car accident that left her seriously injured. This was just the beginning of a long road for her. She had to undergo many surgeries. Both eyelids needed to be reconstructed; the pressure gradient in her eye was disrupted and it was deflating and losing shape; the lens, the part of the eye that focuses light back to the retina, was missing; the cornea, the front of the eye, was severely destroyed.

It took 21 pins, three metal plates, wiring her jaw closed and putting casts on to repair some of the damage that occurred that night, and she still has no vision in her left eye.

Currently doctors in NewYork City see Leslie two to three times a week. They are monitoring her eye closely and adjusting medications accordingly. She will still have to undergo another surgery this July to correct the structural damage caused by the accident.

From noon to 2 p.m. on April 27, Carrabba's Italian Grill and the Lions Club of Brick will sponsor a benefit lunch for Leslie. It will be held at Carrabba's, 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Brick. The proceeds will be donated to Visions of Love for Leslie to assist with medical expenses. The cost of the dinner will be $18 and includes salad, entrée and side of pasta. For ticket information call Donna at (732) 920- 2816 or (732) 674-5838. Tickets will not be available at the door.