This December, LegalMed180 is proud to launch Living in the Wake of Impact – a compelling new film that brings to life the real stories of resilience, advocacy, and hope at the intersection of law and healthcare. At the heart of the film is a mission to bridge the gap between medicine and the legal system, led by CEO Leigh Anne Levy, whose lifelong dedication to trauma care and life care planning drives this powerful project.
A Lifelong Calling: Leigh Anne’s Journey
Leigh Anne’s passion for helping others began early as a child, she found herself instinctively caring for her injured stuffed animals, a glimpse of a calling that would guide her career. From her beginnings in disability care to trauma nursing, Leigh Anne has witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of people living with life-altering injuries. She shares, “People who are disabled tend to think of themselves as broken… but they’re actually twice as strong as we are.”
This deep empathy led Leigh Anne to specialize in life care planning – a comprehensive approach that goes beyond diagnoses to tell the full story of a person’s needs, hopes, and challenges after injury. A life care plan looks at the whole picture: medical care, family dynamics, employment support, and more – offering a roadmap not just for survival, but for a meaningful life.
LegalMed180: Bridging Medicine and Law
Frustrated by the disconnect she saw between medical providers and the legal system, Leigh Anne founded LegalMed180 to educate, advocate, and connect experts who serve injured individuals. LegalMed180 is a hub where medical and legal professionals collaborate, ensuring that people impacted by injury get the care and resources they deserve without being sidelined by bureaucracy or misunderstanding.
As Leigh Anne explains, “When you’ve seen what I’ve seen, you can’t unsee it. You can’t stand by and accept that this is as good as it gets, you have to do something.”
The Inspiring Story of Sarah Milburn
The film highlights Sarah Milburn, a quadriplegic who, despite her injury, embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. Leigh Anne first met Sarah in 2018 when she created Sarah’s life care plan after a motor vehicle collision left her paralyzed. Sarah’s unwavering positivity and research-driven approach to her care made a profound impression: “I have never not known Sarah to smile despite everything.”
Sarah’s life care plan, valued at approximately $38 million, is a testament to her goals and dreams. It’s not just about numbers, but about telling Sarah’s story focusing on fostering her independence, her desire to drive, travel, and live fully. One heartwarming detail includes a service dog who not only provides companionship and dignity but also functions as a vital medical alert and physical aid for Sarah’s spasticity.
Presenting such a life care plan in court requires immense detail and expertise. Leigh Anne describes the process as “bulletproof,” backed by rigorous research and collaboration with specialists like Dr. Latorre, the spinal cord injury expert who supported the case. When the verdict came through in Sarah’s favor, Leigh Anne recalls feeling ecstatic knowing that the resources Sarah needed to thrive would be secured.
Since then, Sarah has lived a life filled with extraordinary achievements: indoor skydiving, water skiing, earning multiple degrees, collaborating with Tesla to design her own adaptive car, and living independently. Beyond her own life, she gives back by mentoring newly injured individuals, embodying the very mission of LegalMed180, showing what is possible with the right support.
Championing Justice: The Role of Charla Aldous
Integral to Sarah’s journey is attorney Charla Aldous, described by Leigh Anne as “a force of nature.” Charla’s dedication to representing those without a voice has earned her national recognition, and she tirelessly fights for justice for her clients. Together, Charla, Leigh Anne, and Sarah advocate not only in courtrooms but also in the halls of government, ensuring that laws and policies protect and empower injured individuals.
Advocacy in Action: Fighting Against SB 30
A crucial part of the story is the fight against Senate Bill 30 (SB 30) and House Bill 4860, legislation that threatened to reduce vital resources for injured individuals like Sarah. Leigh Anne, Sarah, and Charla stood united at the state capitol to speak out against these bills, educating policymakers about the realities of disability and the necessity of proper funding.
Leigh Anne highlights the risk: “If you rely on government programs subject to cuts to determine someone’s lifelong care needs, you will leave people without resources.” The film showcases this advocacy – a testament to LegalMed180’s commitment to justice, education, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Join the Movement
Living in the Wake of Impact is more than a film, it’s a call to action for the legal and medical communities to come together in service of those impacted by life-altering events.
We invite you to watch the trailer here and stay tuned for the full release this December. Whether you are a healthcare provider, legal professional, or advocate, LegalMed180 welcomes you to join us in creating a future where every voice is heard and every life is valued.
