Lech’s Spinal Cord Treatment
Donation protected
On behalf of Lech Ulberg-LoTam and his parents Justine and Terry, this page has been created to raise the much needed funds to help Lech receive the best possible treatment on offer for his spinal cord injury.
Here is his story.
Lech Ulberg-LoTam ️
A bright and cheerful 15 year old Avondale College student, whose passion for sport and being active has been evident since he was little. Lech has always been a talented athlete and has grown up representing his school in rugby, playing club league at a high level and has also represented Samoa in Tag.
He enjoyed exercising and training daily, always focused and dedicated to achieving his dream of becoming a professional athlete. Lech was well on his way to attaining his goal. As the eldest son in his family, he is a doting elder brother to his younger siblings and a much loved son and grandson to his proud parents and grandparents who loved attending every game he played. Like any other 15 year old, Lech loves music and hanging out with his team mates, friends and family.
The 1st of February 2019 was a day that Lech’s life and that of his family changed in an instant. He and his boys went to the public pools to enjoy one of the their last days of the Summer holidays. They were enrolled for Year 11 and looking forward to their first year of NCEA and of course, the new rugby season ahead. After playing a bit of basketball, they headed for the pool area. Lech, not realising how shallow the water actually was, slid into the pool head first down a slide.
His head hit the bottom of the pool at such impact, that he instantly broke his neck and severely injured his spine. Lech frantically tried to swim back to the surface but he found himself unable to move and trapped on the bottom of the pool beneath the shallow water. Just as he thought that he couldn't hold his breath any longer, one of his friends, realising something wasn’t right when he had failed to resurface, went in and pulled him out of the water. This essentially saved Lech’s life.
Lech was rushed to Middlemore hospital where a C.T scan revealed that he had injured his C3/4/5 vertebrae. He was operated on immediately. Surgeons grafted some of his hip bone to help mend his shattered vertebrae - taking just over 6 hrs to complete. A few days later, Lech’s parents were informed by doctors that the injuries sustained have currently left Lech completely paralysed from the shoulders down.
His parents together with his doctors advised Lech of the severity of his injuries. A devasting realisation for this fine young athlete and exemplary young man to have to face at such a young age. And still, Lech is dealing with it all with amazing strength and courage.
The likelihood of regaining his movement is very low. Lech has already spent many weeks in ICU, as well as time in the high dependency unit. He will spend the next few months at a rehab in-patient facility, to begin physiotherapy and muscle training.
So much has happened in the last month for Lech and he has had so much to deal with and still has a long road of rehabilitation and recovery ahead of him. His family are now thinking of the time ahead.
Currently, there is no specific cure for people with spinal cord injuries. However, all is not lost for Lech and the journey of life ahead of him. Lech and his family remain positive that with advancing technology and treatments, this could change.
After a lot of research, Lech’s family have found Epidural Stimulation and Stem Cell Therapy which is practised in Singapore and Thailand. Both these treatments are leading the way in spinal cord rehabilitation.
Naturally, Lech’s family are wanting to give him every opportunity to receive the available treatment for spinal cord injury, in the hope that Lech will regain any, if not all, movement one day in the future.
We are currently asking for your help to raise much needed funds for Lech to be able to receive this treatment and give him the best possible chance in the future. Any amount, big or small, will be a huge help and will be greatly appreciated.
On behalf of Lech and his family, thank you to everyone for your continued support. Alofa atu. Helping one person might not change the world but it could change the world for one person. ️
Here is his story.
Lech Ulberg-LoTam ️
A bright and cheerful 15 year old Avondale College student, whose passion for sport and being active has been evident since he was little. Lech has always been a talented athlete and has grown up representing his school in rugby, playing club league at a high level and has also represented Samoa in Tag.
He enjoyed exercising and training daily, always focused and dedicated to achieving his dream of becoming a professional athlete. Lech was well on his way to attaining his goal. As the eldest son in his family, he is a doting elder brother to his younger siblings and a much loved son and grandson to his proud parents and grandparents who loved attending every game he played. Like any other 15 year old, Lech loves music and hanging out with his team mates, friends and family.
The 1st of February 2019 was a day that Lech’s life and that of his family changed in an instant. He and his boys went to the public pools to enjoy one of the their last days of the Summer holidays. They were enrolled for Year 11 and looking forward to their first year of NCEA and of course, the new rugby season ahead. After playing a bit of basketball, they headed for the pool area. Lech, not realising how shallow the water actually was, slid into the pool head first down a slide.
His head hit the bottom of the pool at such impact, that he instantly broke his neck and severely injured his spine. Lech frantically tried to swim back to the surface but he found himself unable to move and trapped on the bottom of the pool beneath the shallow water. Just as he thought that he couldn't hold his breath any longer, one of his friends, realising something wasn’t right when he had failed to resurface, went in and pulled him out of the water. This essentially saved Lech’s life.
Lech was rushed to Middlemore hospital where a C.T scan revealed that he had injured his C3/4/5 vertebrae. He was operated on immediately. Surgeons grafted some of his hip bone to help mend his shattered vertebrae - taking just over 6 hrs to complete. A few days later, Lech’s parents were informed by doctors that the injuries sustained have currently left Lech completely paralysed from the shoulders down.
His parents together with his doctors advised Lech of the severity of his injuries. A devasting realisation for this fine young athlete and exemplary young man to have to face at such a young age. And still, Lech is dealing with it all with amazing strength and courage.
The likelihood of regaining his movement is very low. Lech has already spent many weeks in ICU, as well as time in the high dependency unit. He will spend the next few months at a rehab in-patient facility, to begin physiotherapy and muscle training.
So much has happened in the last month for Lech and he has had so much to deal with and still has a long road of rehabilitation and recovery ahead of him. His family are now thinking of the time ahead.
Currently, there is no specific cure for people with spinal cord injuries. However, all is not lost for Lech and the journey of life ahead of him. Lech and his family remain positive that with advancing technology and treatments, this could change.
After a lot of research, Lech’s family have found Epidural Stimulation and Stem Cell Therapy which is practised in Singapore and Thailand. Both these treatments are leading the way in spinal cord rehabilitation.
Naturally, Lech’s family are wanting to give him every opportunity to receive the available treatment for spinal cord injury, in the hope that Lech will regain any, if not all, movement one day in the future.
We are currently asking for your help to raise much needed funds for Lech to be able to receive this treatment and give him the best possible chance in the future. Any amount, big or small, will be a huge help and will be greatly appreciated.
On behalf of Lech and his family, thank you to everyone for your continued support. Alofa atu. Helping one person might not change the world but it could change the world for one person. ️
Organizer
Jerrica Dirana Lotam
Organizer
Auckland