She was 46 years old. Found dead in her home May 23. Labecca was the type of person who lit up a room, she would announce her entrance with a smile and happy "Hello". She wore so many hats it was difficult to keep up with her and what she was doing. She was an Emergency Services Coordinator, volunteer fire chief, volunteer EMT, a board member for the American Red Cross, a fierce advocate of Indian tribes rights and sovereignty, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a co-worker and a friend. She was also a weight loss surgery patient and a suicide victim.
WHEE (Weight, Health, Eating and Exercise) is a community support diary for Kossacks who are currently or planning to start losing, gaining or maintaining their weight through diet and exercise or fitness. Any supportive comments, suggestions or positive distractions are appreciated. If you are working on your weight or fitness, please -- join us! You can also click the WHEE tag to view all diary posts.
Labecca was many things. If your family was here on vacation and had a medical emergency, she was the one who showed up to help. Labecca was an icon in the field of disaster management. Last year she received the first-ever Community Leader Award from the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group, which is an interagency coalition that works to reduce earthquake and tsunami hazards on the North Coast. The communities tsunami evacuation routes, signs and evacuation drills were all done by Labecca.
Through her work, Labecca made the Yurok Tribe the first to be recognized in California as tsunami-ready. She also organized the largest tsunami evacuation drill ever conducted in California when she orchestrated the evacuation of buildings and low-lying areas in the Klamath region last November.
“I really feel like this has been a whole group and community effort,” Labecca said, adding that she appreciates the recognition. “There’s been a lot of support in a lot of different ways to get me here. I really in no way can take all the credit for that.”
The services for Labecca were at the Yurok Tribal office in Klamath. Several tables, spread the length of the community room, had certificates of appreciation and recognition for Labecca. It detailed her career as a volunteer and caretaker of the people she shared her community with. Prior to the services for Labecca she was taken on one last boat trip up the Klamath River with family and close friends. Her husband spoke of a bald eagle that flew over head when they stopped at Blue Creek, he said he would like to think it was some sort of a sign. At the services her remains were carried in by the volunteer fire fighters in full uniform. Over 200 gathered for the celebration of her life. Fire fighters, EMT's, Police, Sheriff, Emergency Management and Red Cross were present as well as co-workers, family and friends. Most of us still in shock, unable to believe it was true.
How Labecca and I were friends had to do with work and discussions of weight loss surgery. She had it done and was down a significant number of pounds. I was considering getting it done. I had many discussions with her as to the process and results. One thing I wasn't aware of was the Higher-Than-Expected Suicide Rate Following Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Courcoulas noted that there is a high rate of depression among obese people, especially those seeking surgery. "There is a subset in this population that doesn't get better with respect to depression, and it could actually get worse," she told Medscape Psychiatry, adding that this group seems to be particularly at risk for suicide. "I think we have to identify who these people are."
According to a study published in the current issue of the journal Archives of Surgery, this increased risk may indicate that bariatric surgery patients may require more intense follow-up in the months and years after their procedures.
I don't know why it happened and most likely never will. I do know this has deeply affected me and many others who knew her. My community has suffered a tremendous loss with her passing.
To quote a friend:
Labecca, your smile was warm and sincere and for that I will always remember you. sometimes life doesn't make sense and this is one of those situations:( You have taught us how to prepare and handle emergencies ...except this one:(
June 1
Tues PM - Debbieleft
June 2
Wed AM - WHEE Open
Wed PM - 1864 House
June 3
Thurs - juliewolf
Thurs - WHEE Open
June 4
Fri AM - WHEE Open
Fri PM - Wee Mama
June 5
Sat AM - WHEE Open
Sat PM - WHEE Open
June 6
Sun AM - WHEE Open
Sun PM - WHEE Open
June 7
Mon AM - NC Dem
Mon PM - WHEE Open