Widowed dad's arm ripped off in machinery

On Tuesday 3rd Nov 2020, life for a young man named Conrad and his 4 children living in Zimbabwe were forever changed.  This wasn't the first time this little family had encountered insurmountable tragedy.  

Conrad, a widower, father of 4  children (aged from 4 to 15 years old)  had a gruesome accident at work where he manages a quarry crushing plant in Zimbabwe.  

On that fateful morning, a freak work accident resulted in Conrad's left arm getting ripped off from the shoulder.  He  had the presence of mind to rip his body away from his arm which was caught up in a stone crushing conveyor belt, preventing himself from being pulled in completely.  Once he managed that incredible fete,  he calmly instructed 2 of his workers to bring his vehicle so they could drive him to a Trauma Centre.  Miraculously he did not go into shock from loss of blood.  On the way to the Trauma Centre , he  sat in the back seat of the truck pressing a flap of  hanging muscle as hard as he could against the severed artery, major nerves and muscles,  slowing down his blood loss.

On arriving at the Trauma Centre, he walked in on his own.  He was immediately bandaged up and prepared for surgery.  Once he received 3 pints of blood an orthopedic surgeon and anaesthetist were called in.  They took 3 hours to cut away what little flesh and bone remained. 
 
After the surgery the doctor told his sister all his nerves, tendons, and part of his pectoral muscle had all been ripped out.  All that remained was his shoulder.

After his surgery, he was very very brave and strong, hardly complaining about the immense pain that he was in. All he wanted to know was where his kids were and that they were ok.

He was given a vacuum dressing, which stayed on for 5 days.  Once the doctors were happy there was no infection, they did a skin graft using skin from his thigh. 

He has a long road to recovery. Physically adapting to this profound disability,  but also the emotional recovery after suffering loss of such a major part of his body.  

Obviously the financial costs are huge,  and although his place of work did not provide health benefits, they did say they will assist will costs involved in the hospital stay, but as we all know there is so much more.

He has started counseling, and is receiving  a lot of love and support from friends and family.  But as some may be aware, Zimbabwe is in an economic and humanitarian crisis, with unemployment at 95% and inflation sitting at 540% since February 2020.  The draconian measures used to lock down the country during the covid-19 pandemic has furthered the misery of every Zimbabwean. 

That is why we are asking you please to help Conrad can keep a roof over his children's heads and food on the table until he can get back to work. Which he will, because he's just that type of person. Fiercely independent and courageous beyond words. 

Sadly, as I mentioned, this little family has had their share of tragedy.   The mother of his 3 oldest children died in a car accident 9 years ago.  This family had been through so much. They will be extremely grateful for your financial help, and for your prayers.  Every small donation will make a difference. 

If you live in Zimbabwe and would like to donate you can do so directly to Conrad.  His number is +263 772 669 700.

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