The Long Road Ahead

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt
It now seems like a lifetime ago, but it was during my youth years that an adult sailor died, the result of impact from a boom during an offshore race. It is a memory I can’t shake and forever has defined my sailing and seamanship.

Thus, it was heartbreaking to hear how Annie Walton-Teter (Santa Monica, CA) sustained a serious head injury during the early morning of June 1 while crewing in the SoCal 300, a 245nm race along the Southern California coast.

Annie was urgently evacuated off the boat by Coast Guard helicopter to an emergency hospital where she underwent emergency neurosurgery for a large epidural bleed, followed by surgery to repair facial and cranial fractures. She only recently has been transitioned from hospital care to an intensive brain injury rehabilitation facility.

Annie Walton-Teter

“She has made remarkable progress in all areas, from being able to make only minimal movements and responses of any kind, to being able now to walk with minimal assistance, converse fluently, and take part in most aspects of her care,” shares George Teter, Annie’s father.

“Over the next couple of years she faces challenges in recovering coordination and balance, remastering cognitive skills, and having the patience and understanding to deal with the distance between her current and her former abilities. A GoFundMe account has been established to help with rehabilitation costs not covered by insurance as well as to support the all-around care and supervision she needs.”

Noted on the fundraising page, Annie has fought adversity before. “Those lucky enough to know and love Annie have seen her through tough times before, during her breast cancer and subsequent surgeries,” notes Alexandra Teter. “Things were looking up for Annie before the accident and we want to help her get back on track physically, emotionally, and financially. She is a loyal and loving daughter, sister and friend and we want the very best for her.”

GoFundMe details: https://www.gofundme.com/5ov8uao