Helping Remi Chabbert and his Family

In January, our dear friend, Remi Chabbert, experienced a catastrophic medical episode where a swelling on the spine led to a spinal hematoma - a bleed on the spine. This has caused paralysis from his chest down and compromised the use of his hands. He will be in a wheelchair and will require a lifetime of care.

His family is finding it tough. Particularly when it comes to money. Without Remi’s income, and with the added expenses of having someone in hospital (travel costs, hospital parking, etc), they are financially stretched. The family needs financial help now and in the future. Hence this fundraiser.

This situation is hard to believe. It’s devastating. As a father of two young teens, Rose (age 11) and Jules (age 15), and a loving husband to Nadège, Remi now faces a life where, instead of supporting his family, he is now relying on them for help. But it’s not enough. He needs your help too. Please consider donating.

What exactly happened to Remi?

Remi was on blood thinners following heart surgery two years ago. Being on blood thinners comes with a risk. It can increase the potential for spontaneous bleeding and for hematomas to expand because the body cannot efficiently repair blood vessels. This is what happened to Remi. He had a hematoma which compressed and irreversible damaged his spinal cord. He went to the hospital in excruciating pain, but by the time an MRI scan was undertaken, it was too late.

Remi spent 4 weeks in Sir Charlie Gairdner’s and things were touch and go. He experienced two further internal bleeds. Thankfully these weren’t on his spine but regardless they put him in a dangerous position. His wife, Nadège, travelled as often as she could to see him (and still does so every week). The journey was 50-60mins each way from Baldivis where they live. When Remi stabilised, he was moved to Fiona Stanley Hospital. The commute is now a more manageable 35 minutes each way.

What now?

Remi is likely to stay at Fiona Stanley until early 2024 undergoing intense physiotherapy. They hope to help him gain better use of his hands, to strengthen his arms, and to teach him to manage everyday living in a wheelchair. Until his treatment is complete, his doctors are unable to confirm his final physical prognosis which in turn means he’s unable to a claim disability pension or make any disability insurance claim. This means the family are not receiving any additional financial support.

What will the money be used for?

In the immediate future, monies raised will contribute to travel and hospital-related costs. The family will also use the money to support their everyday living expenses (which continue to rise and are harder to make without Remi’s income) and any ad hoc expenses (such as mechanical work needed for their car – a recent expense). Nadège works full-time, but even still, things are tight and so your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Should we raise more than our target, the balance of monies will contribute towards adjustments needed for their future home.