The family of a 16-year-old girl who recently had her lower leg amputated after being hit by a vehicle in Santa Clarita is asking for help covering medical costs resulting from the incident.
Harley-Anne Laub’s leg was amputated below the knee after she was hit by a car while riding her scooter in Santa Clarita on July 28, prompting the Santa Clarita Coalition to step in to help.
“I’m so proud of Harley-Anne, just to be able to conquer some of the challenges,” said Rachael Angle, Laub’s mother. “I’m just blown away, and she is a warrior. And her dad and I are just blown away at the inspiration that she gives us.”
Laub, a rising junior and soccer player at Golden Valley High School, is described as a leader and an endearingly self-appointed “assistant coach” for her fellow teammates on her soccer team, with a personality that draws others in.
“She is the biggest role model for her age group. She’s sweet, she’s a warrior, she’s just a great kid and it’s my pleasure, my honor to be able to coach her,” said Laub’s soccer coach at Golden Valley High School, Michael House. “You don’t get kids like that every day. If she crosses your path you know it because she’s just a ball of light, there’s an aura around her, and that’s why she has so many friends.”
See Related: GoFundMe Set Up For Family Of 16-Year-Old Santa Clarita Girl Hit By Car
The night the Golden Valley High School student was hit by the car, she had been visiting a friend. The plan was for Laub to ride the bus to her grandparents’ house afterward and spend the night with them.
Angle hadn’t heard from Laub yet at a quarter before 9 that night. The mother was unaware that the teen had been hit by a car about an hour before.
Angle was about to call her daughter to make sure she was okay when she got a call from Sheriff’s deputies.
“They just said she had been in an accident, it looked like her leg had been hurt very badly and to get to the hospital,” Angle said. “I didn’t know it was that severe until I actually got to see her.”
Laub has been hospitalized ever since, with her father becoming the sole breadwinner for her family as her mother cared for her full time.
The soccer player was eventually moved from Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The decision to amputate part of Laub’s lower leg came last Saturday with Laub’s blessing. Medical professionals had spent two weeks working to save the limb, which had caused Laub severe pain after it was injured.
“They came to me at about 1 a.m. on the 14th and told me there was nothing more they could do,” Angle said. “They said they’d need to amputate.”
Laub had also suffered other injuries when she was hit by the car in July.
“Her right pelvic bone has a screw, as well as the lower back pelvic area,” Angle said. “They’re healing very well, but it does bother her when she tries to move around.”
Laub is active and enjoys camping, dirt biking and watersports, according to her mom.
Laub will need specialized equipment to continue doing the activities she enjoys with an amputated leg. Part of the proceeds donated through the Santa Clarita Coalition are set to help with those costs.
Although her insurance would cover a standard prosthetic leg, it would not pay for more specialized prosthetics that would allow her to participate in athletics.
“When she gets out, there are some things insurance won’t be able to provide,” Angle said. “She needs a [prosthetic] limb that’ll allow her to be more active.”
The proceeds from the Santa Clarita Coalition would also help cover the family’s bills as Angle remains unable to work.
In the meantime, Angle is planning to make their home more accessible for Laub.
“Some people are reaching out who are going to help me build ramps for her,” Angle said.
Since Laub was injured, she and her family have gotten support from unexpected places.
Angle has gotten an influx of Facebook messages and emails containing words of support and even advice on what equipment to buy from people familiar with amputations and prosthetics.
The family has also gotten support from friends, family, the American Youth Soccer Organization in Canyon Country (AYSO 677) where Laub used to play soccer as well as local restaurant Wicked Chicken, which held a fundraiser to help the high school student’s family.
“The Santa Clarita community is wonderful, just the outpour of support,” Angle said.
And despite her amputation, Harley still holds a spot on the girls’ junior varsity soccer team at Golden Valley.
“She might not be out there, but watching videos of her moving and trying to get around, we wouldn’t be surprised if she’s in soccer again soon. We all know how she is and how determined she gets,” laughed House. “If you tell Harley she can’t do anything she’ll prove you wrong. That’s Harley right there.”
To donate via the Santa Clarita Disaster Coalition, click here.
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