By: Cheryl Smith
Photo: Cheryl Smith
Have you ever felt helpless, wondering what you should do, how you can help, when to talk or what to say?
Deep in thought and prayer I have tried to be there for my dear friend, Lamonica Diane Evans.
She has been a source of support, encouragement and respite for me for years.
Whether it was volunteering at the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, doing everything from keeping Mr. Dick Gregory company or working on cleanup detail; she served with a smile. She even assumed babysitting duties – taking care of Skylar!
There was also the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo where she displayed her many organizational and communication skills. Diane, as we call her, arrived early and stayed late to ensure the successful community event held every Martin Luther King Day at the African American Museum in Dallas.
For this year’s event, she was noticeably absent.
I didn’t question her absence, though, because I had to talk myself into going. I just knew that I would be in D.C. on KING Day, attending the inauguration and witnessing President KAMALA being sworn in by Supreme Court Justice KETANJI Brown Jackson.
However, since one of my ancestors’ wildest dreams did not come true, I focused on ensuring the success of the event that was held to commemorate the life and work of a great man.
That’s right I decided to focus on a better man than the one who was actually assuming the presidency.
The event ended on a high note but changed when I received the news that Diane was at the hospital.
Diane, who is a diabetic, had an unfortunate accident that severely damaged her foot.
She was in the best place she could be for burns, Parkland Hospital. I knew this because it was in 1985 that a plane crashed in Dallas, Delta Airlines Flight 191 and I spent two weeks back and forth with fellow Florida A&M University alums, as we prayed for the recovery of Dr. Kathleen Laurel Cooper Wright of Fort Lauderdale.
Dr. Wright, a respected member of my sorority (Delta Sigma Theta) eventually succumbed to her injuries, but while at the hospital, she received excellent care and I learned about the impressive reputation of the Burn Center, which was established in 1962.
The family was told that if there was any place in the region to be in, Parkland Burn Center was the place.
So I felt a level of comfort and confidence as I visited Diane. While dismayed to learn that she would lose her toes on her left foot, I took solace in knowing that she was in good health and everything should be okay.
Friends started a GoFundMe Account in her name.
Yes, she needed support.
Always working to take care of her family, but also a dedicated community servant, Diane was a 1099 employee; working several jobs.
A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and a past national president of the Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC), formerly known as the National Association of Urban Bankers (NAUB), she also volunteered with City Men Cook, and other community-based organizations/nonprofits.
After spending a month in the hospital Diane was released and returned home.
Unfortunately, there were complications and now she is back in the hospital, battling an infection and awaiting another unanticipated surgery.
In addition to providing support and prayers, helping her to secure gainful employment that will utilize her experience and education is a priority.
And I definitely have to introduce her to Candace Wicks because she’s a resilient, resourceful, dynamic woman who is living her best life despite multiple amputations.
Here is Diane’s message: “Hey everybody I just want to keep you in the loop. It turns out they discovered an infection and unfortunately, we are headed back to surgery on March 10 (changed to March 11). This is a more severe surgery that will result in a prosthetic (of some sort, TBD) and an extended healing journey. I’m leaning on my faith and family for answers to difficult decisions and each of you for continued encouragement, prayers and support. Thank you for standing in the gap. You will never know how much the village continues to mean to me.” With love, Diane.
Many have called and asked how they could help Diane. You can take advantage of the GoFundMe account, https://www.gofundme.com/f/foot-amputation-a-call-for-help. The initial ask was for $15,000.
She is going to need so much more, especially since the surgery went from her left toes and part of her foot to a more extensive surgery.
Unfortunate and unexpected occurrence, everyone is trying to wrap their heads and hearts around this young lady who has done so much for so many.
