South Whidbey community leader Kathy McLaughlin McCabe was in a Seattle  hospital on Tuesday undergoing brain surgery. 

McCabe, the longtime chief of Good Cheer Food Bank & Thrift Stores, fell last month and hit her head, according to Shawn Nowlin, the organization’s community outreach coordinator. The surgery was to reduce pressure caused by internal bleeding.

The procedure was done at Harborview Medical Center but the outcome could not be confirmed by press time. Look for an update online.

McCabe was walking her dog at Double Bluff several weeks ago tripped over the animal, hitting her head on the pavement in the parking lot.

“It was one of those quick falls where you can’t put your hands up,” Nowlin said.

McCabe went to the hospital and tests confirmed she had a concussion. She went to work but it became apparent later that she was not recovering as she should. Additional testing revealed bleeding in the lining between her brain and skull. A surgery was planned late last week.

McCabe, who’s led Good Cheer for 14 years, is married to Bill McCabe. She has children, a grandchild and other family on the island.

“She has lots of family to take care of her during her recovery,” Nowlin said.

In the meantime, administration of Good Cheer will be handled by various program managers and Nowlin. McCabe is hoped to return to work before the end of the year.

Her progress can be followed via Good Cheer’s Facebook page.