"My life changed in seconds," said Leeslyee Huerta, 23 of Bolingbrook of the 2007 accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. "I was walking five minutes before." It has been five years, but Leeslyee Huerta finally made it to prom on Friday, April 27, 2012. The accident prevented her from attending her own prom, but since then, Huerta has forgiven the man that was under the influence when he hit her and now speaks publicly about the dangers of drunk driving with him. "After we talked I could see he really regrets what he did," Huerta said.
Unfortunately, School officials banned us from taking photos of Leeslyee and her boyfriend Jonathan enjoying themselves at the prom, but I was honored to spend my day on Friday with such an amazing person. The Huerta family was more than welcoming to the numerous media outlets that came and went from their home on Friday and I think I heard Leeslyee repeat her painful story four or five times as each interviewer wanted to hear if for themselves. Both Leeslyee and Jonathan have much to share with the world and I am glad to say I got to spend a day with them.
Thank you and best of luck in the future guys.
Steve Buyansky is the photo editor for the Sun-Times Media West Group which includes The Beacon-News, The Courier-News and the Naperville Sun. He started as a photographer for the Beacon-News in 1983, became photo editor for The Herald-News in Joliet in 2000 and moved to the Sun-Times Media West office in 2009. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Columbia College in Chicago.
A native of the western suburbs, Brian Powers attended both the College of
DuPage and Western Kentucky University for Photography and is continuing his
education at the University of The Aurora Beacon News. His professors
continue to push him (See Marianne Mather), but he considers himself one of
the lucky few who loves going to work everyday....well, ok, most days.
Michael Smart has been a photographer at The Courier-News/Sun-Times Media for over ten years. Smart grew up in Elgin before heading West to pursue adventures in photography and zoology, earning a bachelor’s degree in both fields. Upon returning to Elgin, he decided to pursue his true passion of photojournalism.
Spectacular job telling a remarkable story, Brian!
I would love to get in touch with Ms. Huerta about the possibility of her speaking at the high school where I work. Do you know how I might be able to get in touch with her?
Thank you!
nice job!! u did a great job. god bless you!