*Give It Up For SJ*

“In November last year, our very special friend ‘SJ’ (Sarah-Jane Staszak – Nee Elvin) went into Royal North Shore Hospital to undergo a ‘routine’ operation on a bulging disc in her neck, unfortunately, she came out of that operation a Quadriplegic”

Having led an extremely active life, cycling around Australia, South America and various parts of the world, as well as working for Lithgow TAFE as a Cross Country Skiing, Rock Climbing and Canyoning Instructor, SJ underwent the operation hoping to alleviate several months of nerve pain down her left arm. She now faces a big challenge ahead of her.

SJ has already undertaken over 9 months of rehabilitation in both RNS and Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Centre, but has now returned home and is keen to embark on the next stage of her path to recovery and trying to regain her independence. Along with her family she has exhaustively researched the latest treatments and rehabilitation options for spinal cord injuries.

The most progressive rehabilitation centres by far are in the US, and SJ’s goal is to attend one of these centres and enroll in an intensive rehabilitation program, which would be far more extensive than anything currently available her in Australia. SJ’s immediate family are committed in every way to providing the material and emotional support required. However, at the very least, the gap between the financial capacity of the family and the cost will be around $300,000 over the next 3 years.

Additionally, she is planning to equip her home and life with the necessary tools that will enable her to participate as actively as possible in her role as mother to her 5-year-old son, Hamish. To facilitate this she needs to modify her home with the necessary aids and equipment and buy a modified car.

SJ has a large network of friends and colleagues who are doing all they can to support her, including assisting in the organisation of a fundraising event to be held on 29th November 2014 and with this in mind, we’re reaching out to individuals and businesses to help realise SJ’s goal.