Our One in a Million: Stevie

My name is Kel.

In recent days, we've seen some horrendous weather which has caused so much damage to roads, buildings, gardens and vehicles. I really do feel for everyone who has suffered.

Very unfortunately, a one in a million event happened which saw Stevie (mother of two young girls) struck by a falling tree while walking home from picking up one of her children from school (my goddaughter). The large tree landed on her seconds after Paityn had walked under it. While the event was extremely devastating, we are so thankful Paityn didn't get knocked down too.

Stevie has suffered two breaks in her neck at the C3. She has a very high risk of paralysis and has been bed ridden in a neck brace since the incident while she underwent appropriate imaging and consultation.

Today, she is being discharged with a hard neck brace that she has to wear continuously for 12 weeks. This means no driving, no work and no other activities requiring her to move her neck. This is understandably going to cause significant emotional and mental turmoil while she takes this time to heal. It will also effect her partner, Addison, while he tries to maintain some routine and normality for the girls and support Stevie as much as possible. Being a Mum to young children confined to one position for 3 months straight is going to be incredibly difficult for her. In addition, Stevie's Mum suffered a devastating brain injury some years ago which caused significant disability. Stevie is an integral person for her Mum's ongoing needs and it's going to be very hard for both Stevie and her Mum to have to lessen how often they see each other.

On top of all that, the financial burden this is going to place on the family is huge. Given Stevie is unable to continue any of her normal day-to-day activities with the added stress of not having an income while she is recovering, I am taking initiative to try and lessen the financial pressure. Other financial support options are being looked into but for the interim, we are trying to raise funds for Stevie to use safe and reliable transport to enable the girls to continue their daily routines whether that be swimming, gymnastics or netball which will help Stevie get out of the house too. Any additional funds will go towards household expenses including rent if the other financial options fall through.

Stevie is a very proud person and asking for help isn't what she does. This is going to make her feel awkward but I know she is going to be so appreciative of any help you can offer. Even if it's $10 that gets her to one swimming lesson with the girls.

Thank you in advance for you love and care.

Kel