LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY

Anton Labuschagne is organizing this fundraiser.

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Long road to recovery

4 weeks ago, I taught dance students a ballet variation at Palm Springs Dance Academy who recently opened their brand new 1,250 sq. ft. studio. This space is extremely inspiring for any dancer and teacher alike, so much so, that for a moment I forgot I wasn’t 25 years old anymore and got swept of my feet………. literally!

I heard a very loud snap, thinking I damaged a floorboard. When I collapsed three steps later from the extreme pain in my leg, I realized it wasn’t a plank that gave away but instead my Achilles tendon that ruptured. I quickly confirmed this when I saw a large indent at my ankle and a tendon rolled up into my calf.

Thank God there were parents observing the class who came to my rescue right away. They packed my ankle with ice and rolled me off to the side of the stage in an office chair. Everything happened so fast!

I immediately called Randy (my partner) who was there in no time. I managed to speak with the night doctor at Desert Orthopedic Center who suggested that, instead of waiting in line for 6 hours at an emergency room, I go to Eisenhower Orthopedic Center first thing in the morning. He told me my injury was time sensitive and advised me what to do to get through the night.

The following morning, I got an appointment to see Dr Friscia at Desert Orthopedic Center . He confirmed the severity of my injury and scheduled rushed surgery at Eisenhower Medical Center.

Due to the nature of my injury, I will not be able to walk for at least 2 months and am on the long road to recovery now. In addition, I am still recovering from elbow surgery which I had a couple of months ago. Combining the two injuries with everything it entails have been worrisome and stressful. Because of the physical restrictions and limitations prospects of work anytime soon is out of the question.

It is therefore with the support of Palm Springs Dance Academy that this GoFundMe was established asking for your support, help & generosity.

Palm Springs Dance Academy has committed to match all contributions made to the fund.

I would like to thank you for your encouraging support and contributions to the fund, which include the parents of and Palm Springs Dance Academy, Artistic Director Michael Nickerson- Rossi, Desert Orthopedic Center and Randy who continues to be there for me 24/7.

Thank you, Anton

Timeline

• Monday 11/15 Incident – Palm Springs Dance Academy

• Wednesday 11/17 Initial Consult – Desert Orthopedic Clinic – Dr. Friscia, MD

• Friday 11/19 Pre-Op - Dolores Hope Imaging

• Monday 11/22 Surgery - Eisenhower Dr. Friscia, MD

• Tuesday 11/30 Post Op - Eisenhower, William Hinds, PA

• Tuesday 12/14 Post Op - Eisenhower, William Hinds, PA

Surgery Notes 11 Jan

Post Op Notes 17 Jan