Fundraiser for a beautiful family in need
Our good friend Matt Anschau, a loving & caring husband to Alison & father to his four boys aged 15,7,5 & 15 months suffered a massive stroke to his cerebellum on the 27th of November. At the age of 47, this almost took his life on several occasions over the weeks that followed.
Matt underwent two life saving brain operations within a 24 hour period while his family were told by doctors to prepare for the worse. The second operation being the most critical & delicate. Doctors had to remove part of the base of the skull to reduce the swelling which was causing the most danger.
After surgery Matt was placed into an induced coma for the next 7 days while the swelling reduced. He then remained in ICU for 11 tnights. During his time in ICU, Matt flatlined but was lucky to be revived by the incredible doctors at Prince of Wales Hospital. The doctors are amazed at how Matt got through these times, calling him a neurological miracle.
The cerebellum is the part of the brain which coordinates balance, speech & movement. Matt was unable to walk unassisted & was moved to the rehab ward for 2 weeks before being moved to Wolper Private Hospital for a further 10 days of rehab.
He has since returned home to his beautiful wife Alison & boys Blake, Luke, Scott & Ethan.However it feels as though the road to recovery has only just begun for this incredible family. Matt is still yet to be able to move around without someone close by, with another 4-6 weeks of rehab appointments to see a specialist in the stroke rehab centre where he will continue to work on his balance & coordination when walking. He will also be undergoing extensive private counseling to assist him in fully recovering & will need another operation in the near future to replace the bone in his skull which they removed.
As you can imagine these times have been difficult for the entire family - emotionally, physically & financially.
As Matt has always been a strong & giving community member, I would love to show them the support I know they would show for any one of their family or friends in a time of need.
A donation of any size would be so greatly appreciated. I know that these funds will make a huge difference, whether it be for household maintenance, ongoing doctors fees or care for the children. While Matt is unable to work & Alison is having to care for Matt during his recovery & all of their sons any small donation will help this amazing family in a big way.