On Sunday November 21st, Benton, father to Ella (3) and Lucas (2) and loving husband to Holly was involved in a tragic head on motorbike collision with another motorcyclist unknown to him. After Benton was stabilised and had his compromised lungs addressed at Mildura Base Hospital, he was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital and underwent urgent and extensive surgery addressing spinal damage, including a fracture and dislocation of C7 and T1 along with spinal cord shock and brain trauma with still unknown ramifications.
We do not know the long-term consequences in regards to his fine and gross motor skills as well as cognitive recovery and rehabilitation. Benton is still heavily sedated as they work on other injuries from the accident including a surgery on November 23rd to extract a foreign object in his chest and a second back surgery to potentially take place in the near future once an MRI is completed (post-chest surgery). So far, Benton has already been through two major surgeries with several more to come. Unfortunately each day represents its own challenges and new complications to address.
To add to all this, apart from a short few hours initially, Holly is unable to be by Benton's side due to current Victorian COVID-19 restrictions. Benton's injuries are extensive and he is not in the clear yet, but we hold on hope for healing and full recovery, praying that Benton and his Aussie battler spirit will pull through.
So many of you have been offering help and support to Holly and the family. She has been overwhelmed by the love both far and wide from everyone.
Finally, we have a way we can all help and pull together to support this beautiful family ensuring that all their needs are met for the long road ahead of them.
Some of the realities for them:
- At best, Benton will be in hospital for at least 6-8 weeks, likely longer. Then there will be rehabilitation and ongoing medical appointments/needs.
- They live in rural Victoria, six hours away from the hospital. Holly and the kids may potentially need to temporarily relocate for an undisclosed period of time to ensure they are close to Benton and the care he needs.
- They have a mortgage that needs to continue to be paid. Benton is the primary source of income and so far we do not know if or when he will return to work. Realistically, we will endeavour to raise money to cover their costs of living for the next few weeks and months. This includes mortgage, bills, travel expenses and all the additional health care needs not covered by Medicare.
While we can’t physically help Holly and Benton, this financial assistance will mean they have one less thing to worry about. With a long road to recovery ahead, the Munro’s will need all the love and support we can give.
We are thinking of you and praying for you Benton, Holly, Ella & Lucas.
Benton, keep fighting. We hold you in our love.
Organizer and beneficiary
Holly Munro
Beneficiary