Help Sam and Em on their journey
Donation protected
On the 5th of September 2015 our dear friend Sam Bridgland was rushed to hospital with a brain bleed. He was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain. An AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. He is lucky to be alive. After spending a week in ICU and another week in hospital, doctors told Sam they wouldn't operate because the AVM was situated so deep in his brain and the operation had too many risks. No one wanted to attempt it.
Sam was released back home on strict restrictions as he waited for answers on other alternatives to remove the AVM in his brain. The main restriction being his inability to work. Sam patiently waited nearly 2 months before a doctor in Sydney bravely said he would attempt to remove the AVM in Sam's brain.
On the 18th of November 2015, our brave Sam went through a major brain operation to remove the AVM. It took 11 hours. Before the surgery Sam was told the possibilty of waking up and having to learn to speak again and the possiblity that they might not be able to remove the whole AVM. After many hours of anticipation by family and friends, Sam finally woke up.
Miraculously, Sam could speak! The doctors also told him the AVM was completely removed! What great news for Sam and all of his loved ones to hear.
Unfortunately, Sam's blood vessels to the right side of both eyes were damaged during the surgery which has left him with very poor eyesight. Because of this it is a possiblity that Sam won't be able to drive or go back to work as a builder again. Not only that, he has a long road to recovery after such a big operation. In total Sam hasn't worked for 3 months and we don't know when he will go back to work again. His beautiful, strong and supportive wife has not left his side which means she hasn't work for quite a while either.
It has been on my heart for some time to create a page for Sam and Emily where friends, family or anyone who feels touched by this story can go to support them financially. We may not be able to physcially help Sam and Emily but we can make their journey through this tough time a little bit easier. All of you who know the Bridglands know how much they mean to us and how much everyone loves them. Let's get together and support this young family!
Sam was released back home on strict restrictions as he waited for answers on other alternatives to remove the AVM in his brain. The main restriction being his inability to work. Sam patiently waited nearly 2 months before a doctor in Sydney bravely said he would attempt to remove the AVM in Sam's brain.
On the 18th of November 2015, our brave Sam went through a major brain operation to remove the AVM. It took 11 hours. Before the surgery Sam was told the possibilty of waking up and having to learn to speak again and the possiblity that they might not be able to remove the whole AVM. After many hours of anticipation by family and friends, Sam finally woke up.
Miraculously, Sam could speak! The doctors also told him the AVM was completely removed! What great news for Sam and all of his loved ones to hear.
Unfortunately, Sam's blood vessels to the right side of both eyes were damaged during the surgery which has left him with very poor eyesight. Because of this it is a possiblity that Sam won't be able to drive or go back to work as a builder again. Not only that, he has a long road to recovery after such a big operation. In total Sam hasn't worked for 3 months and we don't know when he will go back to work again. His beautiful, strong and supportive wife has not left his side which means she hasn't work for quite a while either.
It has been on my heart for some time to create a page for Sam and Emily where friends, family or anyone who feels touched by this story can go to support them financially. We may not be able to physcially help Sam and Emily but we can make their journey through this tough time a little bit easier. All of you who know the Bridglands know how much they mean to us and how much everyone loves them. Let's get together and support this young family!
Organizer
Jackie Litwinczuk
Organizer
Varsity Lakes QLD
