Peter’s Stroke Journey

On the 8th of March 2024, unfortunately Peter Kauschke was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke and admitted to hospital.

There are 2 parts of his brain that were affected and they found a total of 6 blood clots on his MRI.

We all know Pete as the most kind, caring and hardworking individual that ever walked this earth. Between full-time employment, running his business and his position of president of the Crows Supporters Group, these past years have also seen him face high grade bladder cancer, chronic pain and shoulder surgery after a fall.

The best news from all this is that Pete is a fighter … and he still has his wits about him and dishes out the sarcasm thick and fast.

He is currently facing significant challenges at the moment as a result of his stroke. Currently he is unable to stand or walk, he has lost sensation to the left side of his face including his tongue, and the right side of his body from his torso down. His speech, language and memory are unaffected however he does have some minor swallowing difficulties and needs a soft diet at the moment. He is still able to use both arms. Unfortunately his eye sight is affected at the moment and everything is blurry to him and he is suffering from severe vertigo (keeps asking why we are all dancing on turn tables!). He has been placed high on the waitlist for a guide dog. When the OT told him that news he got very excited at the prospect of having a dog in his life again, especially one with such an important role!

Tina was admitted to a different hospital on Thursday 7th March for a planned surgery, however due to some high risk complications the surgery was abandoned a short time in. Tina, too is facing 6 weeks of rehabilitation at home.

For these reason, we ask people NOT to message Peter or Tina directly (via text or other platforms) as the buzzing of his phone is quite distressing to him when he is unable to pick it up and read it, and he doesn’t want to come across as rude. Accessibility has been set up for him on his iPhone however he is still learning how to use this.

Pete is facing months of rehabilitation ahead, meaning he is unable to fulfil his employment and volunteer commitments.

Anything you can contribute towards this GoFundMe so that Tina is able to pay the bills and make sure she eats, as well as contribute towards funding a guide dog is appreciated!

There is a Facebook group set up as a communication platform to Pete where one of the family can read these to him during our visits. Rest is key to Pete’s recovery.

**PLEASE ENSURE YOU SLIDE THE BAR TO $0 WHEN IT ASKS TO “ADD A TIP” AS THIS DOES NOT GO TO PETER**