Support Anne’s Ongoing Medical Journey-Devastating Accident

In 2011, our Mom, Anne, endured a devastating accident in Grahamstown, South Africa. A piece of wire, carelessly placed around two lampposts, fell to the ground. As our Mom walked by, her feet got entangled in the wire, pulling her down with brutal force. She landed hard on her face and elbows, shattering both elbows and knocking her unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery, but the damage was far beyond just her elbows. The fall inflicted severe injuries to her spine and neck, injuries that have drastically altered her life.

Before the accident, our Mom was a passionate teacher, Head of Department, Head of a Boarding House, and Head of Netball. She thrived on her active lifestyle, playing competitive hockey, swimming and going to the gym regularly. The accident didn’t only cause life-altering physical disabilities, but it also meant that she had to leave behind her incredible teaching career, her love of sport, and her daily independence.

Now, she struggles with severe chronic pain, has lost the use of her arms, can barely turn her neck, and needs a modified car to drive. Her daily life has become a battle against pain, relying on Schedule 5 and 6 medications and a spinal cord stimulator just to manage.

Over the past 13 years, our Mom has undergone 28 surgeries, including her elbows, shoulders, wrists, spine, and neck. She was required to move cities, to ensure she had access to her surgical team who have supported her throughout her ongoing battle. Her medical boarding ceased providing coverage at the end of 2022, and since then, we have been struggling to keep her financially afloat. The cost of her necessary treatments, surgeries, and medications has become overwhelming.

Recently, her medical aid (private health) has refused to cover essential surgeries, step-down facility care, her physiotherapy and medications. Unfortunately, most of her post-operative care is not covered by her medical aid either. As a result, her weekly physiotherapy has ceased entirely for the remainder of the year, depriving her of vital care that helps manage her pain and maintain her limited mobility. Her medical aid fees alone, have skyrocketed from R16,000 (AUD 1500) to R18,000 (AUD 1700) per month in the past year, and her Schedule 5 and 6 medications are no longer covered, which amount to a total of R5000 – R6000 (AUD 400-AUD 500 ) each month.

In October, she is scheduled for a right hip replacement, followed by a left hip replacement and both knees needing to be replaced, in addition to future spine, neck and arm surgeries. The financial burden is immense and continues to grow. Despite our best efforts, we are struggling to cover these escalating costs.

Despite the mounting financial stress, the loss of independence, and the loss of income, our Mom has still managed to hold on to as much hope as possible. She has remained the amazing, positive woman that we have always known her to be, never letting her spirit waver in the face of these overwhelming challenges. Above all else, our Mom has always valued her relationships with her friends, colleagues, and students, but most importantly, with her Christian walk and her family.

We are reaching out to ask for your help. After 13 years of relentless pain and battle, our Mom’s situation remains critical, and the financial pressure on our family is unbearable. Without additional support, we will not be able to cover the growing medical costs she faces.

Please, if you can find it in your heart to donate, your contribution will go directly towards her medical bills, surgeries, and daily expenses. We’ve done everything we can, but we can’t continue this fight alone. Any amount will make a significant difference in helping us provide the care our Mom so desperately needs.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story. We are deeply grateful for any support you can offer.

If you know our Mom in any capacity, you will know that this quote is true to the absolutely incredible human being she is.

“I am only one; but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do.” – Helen Keller

With our love and immense thanks,

Jenna, Mark & Kendal