The "Care for Nan" Project

On January 8, 2022, Sandra (Sandy) Allan was involved in a horrific head-on motor vehicle accident near Kingaroy QLD that resulted in significant life-altering injuries, including the transection (partial severance) of her spinal cord in the C6-C7 region and cellular death in her Cerebellum which have resulted in a loss of feeling and function throughout her body with the exception of her head, neck and some limited motor-control in her arms.

Sandy was air-lifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, where she received emergency surgery to stabilise her neck injuries and was placed on breathing support. This was the beginning of what would become a long road to recovery (all-be-it severely limited).

After 8 weeks in ICU, Sandy regained the ability to breathe without ventilator support and has relocated to the spinal care rehab ward for the next stage of her journey.

While the extent of Sandy's injuries is still being assessed by numerous medical specialists, one thing is quite clear: Rehabilitation will take significant time and "recovery" will take on a whole new meaning.

The "Care For Nan" Project aims to support Sandy and her family members who are intimately involved in her care by reducing the extensive burdens of:

 - Travel & Accommodation for family members providing critical emotional/moral support

 - Hospital Parking 

 - Relocating Sandy's personal effects

 - Closing of Sandy's retail clothing store (Nan-Made) in Wondai

 - Temporary storage of Sandy's treasure trove of personal belongings

 - Other support needs as they arise.

 - Purchasing of voice-activated technologies and peripherals which enable Sandy to remain connected with family

 - Preparations for Sandy's longer-term care needs

While Sandy has now been accepted into the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS), to assist in purchasing longer-term assistive technologies and support services once discharged, there are considerable current-day and near-term costs that the scheme will not cover. And unfortunately, due to the nature of her injuries and the expected significant recovery time, her motor vehicle insurance claim will likely be a lengthy process.

In circumstances like these, many people wonder what they can do to help. The "Care-for-Nan" project provides a way for you to help in a practical, meaningful way where you may not be able to offer physical assistance such as packing and moving personal effects or providing emotional support through hospital visits.

Based on the care team's "best guess," Sandra will need at least 9-12 months of care and rehabilitation at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane. Considering the fluid nature of costs, we will update goals, estimates, rebates, etc., as rehab duration and the associated expenses solidify.

Expected Expenses

Extrapolating from costs accrued since January 8, the ballpark expenses are expected to be:

$28,000 - Accommodation for family members providing critical emotional/moral support

$19,500 - Fuel Expense associated with Travel

$  8,750 - Hospital Parking 

$  5,000 - Closing of Sandy's retail clothing store (Nan-Made) in Wondai & Relocating Sandy's personal effects

$  2,500 - Temporary storage of Sandy's treasure trove of personal belongings

$ 1, 000 - Purchase voice-activated technologies and peripherals which enable Sandy to remain connected with family

$Unknown - Preparations for Sandy's longer-term care needs

$Unknown - Other support needs as they arise.

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$64,750  

Expected Governmental Subsidies (Not Guaranteed)

We are investigating (and have applied for) a range of government subsidies the most significant of which are:

$16,380 - Accommodation for family members providing critical emotional/moral support

$  5,460 - Hospital Parking 

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$21,840

Support Received, Pledged or Paid by Sandra's Pension Funds:

$  6,160 - Accommodation for family members providing critical emotional/moral support

$ 1,925 - Hospital Parking 

$ 2,925 - Closing of Sandy's retail clothing store (Nan-Made) in Wondai & Relocating Sandy's personal effects

$ 2,500 - Temporary storage of Sandy's treasure trove of personal belongings

$ 1,000 - Purchase voice-activated technologies and peripherals which enable Sandy to remain connected with family

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$14,510

Shortfall: $28,400 <-- this is our goal

For nearly three months, family members at the forefront of Sandra's care have shouldered the significant additional financial burden. We now have the opportunity to help. 

Donation Options: 

1) Credit Card Via GoFundMe Donation Link (Includes fees of 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction)

2) Direct Deposit (Contact Daniel via the contact link below for Bank Details)

* We would like to thank those who generously donated nearly $1000 in Rapid Antigen Tests for use by the family before visiting Sandy in the hospital. This has been a massive help in ensuring any further complications of COVID are avoided for Sandy and the rest of the Spinal Unit staff and Patients.