Support Rafas Road to Recovery

On Wednesday 17th January 2024, a life pivoting and harrowing accident happened to a beloved little 14 month old boy on the Sunshine Coast - Rafa Niesler. Our little mate, one of the sweetest boys we know, was involved in a freak accident where he was ran over by a vehicle.

He was immediately airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital where he was sedated for a 72 hour period to allow his body to recover and reduce swelling on his brain. At this point it was identified that he sustained a fractured skull. The unbelievable stress on his family during this 72 hour period was insurmountable.

Prior to coming out of sedation, Rafa underwent an MRI, and this is when the nightmare escalated and the families worst fears were realised. Rafa sustained damage to parts of the brain that are responsible for complex cognitive function, as well as his use of the right side of his body, and speech. The road to Rafa’s recovery is a long and significant one, and the extent of the damage is not yet entirely known. The only known part of this journey is that his parents, Kurt and Hayley are committed with every inch of their being to giving Rafa the best shot at recovery - and getting the undeniable sparkle that Raf was known for, back!

The extent of Rafa’s injuries will require full-time rehabilitation in Brisbane where he will receive specialist care by some of Australia’s top doctors for a predicted 12 month period.

The rehabilitation plan will require this family to be separated for the first time in their lives, a significant adjustment for all - including Rafa’s older brothers Knox (6) and Bowie (4) who are now navigating the change of a newly fractured family unit. Hayley will be required to be based in Brisbane with Rafa and Kurt will remain on the Sunshine Coast to maintain a familiar rhythm for the two older boys. The road ahead at this stage looks unfamiliar to all, but the unity between this team is stronger than ever.

We decided to set up a GoFundMe page to offer meaningful and tangible support to our dear friends as so many members of our tight-knit community have wanted to offer support. Kurt and Hayley are the very first people to drop over a home cooked meal to a friend in need, if there’s an outdoor adventure to be had - they are the ones to organise it; they are genuinely the most beautiful family and Rafa is the most precious little man. If there is anything that we can do as a community to support the long road they have ahead, we’d really love to.

The funds raised from this GoFundMe initiative will go towards:

⁃ Access to required health and rehabilitation for Rafa

⁃ Assistance for the family while Hayley steps back from work and cares for Rafa

⁃ Time off of work for Kurt while he restructures his business to navigate their new family dynamic

⁃ Allow the family the required time and space needed to reimagine their new normal

- Potential opportunities for a tailored education in the future.

If there is any capacity in which you are able to support, we know they would be incredibly humbled and grateful for your generosity.

Our deepest thank you in advance for your contribution, love, care and well wishes for our treasured little friend Raf