"Bindi Bindi Reborn"

"Bindi Bindi Soaring Spirit: Aboriginal Elegance"

Dear compassionate friends,

I am writing on behalf of my loving wife Marissa Verma (Bindi Bindi Dreaming) and letting you know her story.

A New Beginning to Overcome Health Challenges and Seeking Support.

In June 2023, Marissa found herself facing a grave health crisis that led her to Fiona Stanley Hospital. An aggressive infection Necrotising Fasciitis took hold of her body plunging her into a three-month coma.

The medical team fought relentlessly performing over 30 plus surgeries to address the damage caused by the infection. Marissa underwent a challenging procedure to perform Skin graft from a section of her body to reconstruct her stomach. The battle intensified as she experienced strokes, kidney failure, heart attacks, and even contracted Influenza A.

During the fourth surgery the doctors expressed concern about Marissa's survival urging our family to make a difficult decision. We all chose to fight alongside her defying the odds opposed by this infectious disease.

To combat the severe impact of the infection the doctors had to amputate Marissa's hands below the elbows and waking up to this reality was disorientating. With many operations Marissa was left lifeless and unaware of the world around her. Marissa had a feeding tube for her lifeline and essential nutrients, plus a tracheostomy inserted to assist with breathing and communication.

With the support of all our family, friends and the compassionate hospital staff Marissa transitioned from the Intensive Care Unit to a recovery ward and then to the Rehabilitation Centre where she is having rehab to regain her strength and rebuild her life again.

I have watched the devastating effect of the virus on my wife’s life during the whole time and saw her determination to fight to stay with us. My wife Marissa has been a great asset to the community in helping anyone in need amongst her family and friends. It has been the hardest thing to experience.

During this ordeal I have seen Marissa’s strength and resilience to fight for her life which has been a miracle, given all that was thrown at her. Marissa has a gift of touching people’s spirit so she has many family, friends and even strangers come in solidarity in times of crisis.

Bindi Bindi Dreaming was Marissa's livelihood and this has been a huge loss because of the impact of the virus. Beyond the physical and emotional challenges the significant amount of financial debts which have accumulated over the past year.

This is why we are reaching out to everybody for support.

Health is precious and the stress of financial hardship coupled with a permanent disability from this infection makes the journey to recovery even more challenging.

Your kindness regardless of the amount will significantly impact Marissa's path to healing.

Thank you for considering Marissa's request and being an essential part of her story of resilience and hope.

Any fundraising events on our behalf are welcome and your generous contributions will play a crucial role in helping Marissa rebuild her life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Saurabh Verma and Family