Supporting the Jonsson mob

My brother and his family have had one of the toughest years they’ve had to deal with so far. At the start of the year my sister-in-law Heather, was struck down with a debilitating medical condition. For several months the medical profession weren’t even able to put a diagnoses to her symptoms.

 

So debilitating was this condition, she was unable to remain seated or standing for any length of time and was bed ridden in an attempt to find comfort. Dealing with severe migraine like headaches, poor vision, and instability when trying to do basic things like going to the bathroom, this became her norm. Making the heart wrenching decision to quit her job and focus on her health, my brother, a self employed contractor, became her carer unavoidably putting the family under financial strain.

 

Later discovering she had a spontaneous spinal fluid leak resulting in a sagging brain, it was evident that Heather’s recovery was going to be more long term than expected. Spending several weeks in hospital, away from her younger boys and with Steve by her side providing the extra support needed when talking to doctors ect. treatment of a blood patch was administered just before Easter. Movement would be further restricted for a number of weeks to allow the blood patch to heal.

 

Fast forward to Oct and things haven’t improved much for Heather, from a recovery perspective. Still experiencing headaches, poor vision and occasional bouts of instability, driving is not an option for her, and Steve is still the primary carer for her and their younger children. Working mostly from home and venturing further away when Heather’s condition allowed for it, Steve has kept his family afloat.

 

Unfortunately they have suffered another blow recently when their eldest son Morgan, came off his bike, causing damage to the right eye socket  and left frontal lobe. At one point in this journey Morgan and Heather were both in hospital and Steve was right there with them the entire time, moving between wards checking in on them both.

Thankfully Morgans prognosis is positive but as you can imagine with any sort of brain injury, just like his mum, recovery will be long term. It’s been a rocky few weeks as we’ve watched his short term memory bounce all over the place. On a recent visit to his hospital bed, Morgan didn’t remember my name, although he spoke to me like he knew exactly who I was. As I write this, Townsville Hospital are arranging to have him sent to Brisbane for rehab. Steve, who has been there with him since the accident, will be traveling down to be with him, to keep him company and be available for any medical related questions and decision making.

 

This family have been doing everything they can to remain financially independent and I could not be prouder of how they have coped with all that has happened but I think it’s time we lighten their load and give them some support.

 

To everyone that has supported thus far, thank you! Thank you for the meals, the visits, the support with accommodation, friendship and everything you have already done for them. It has been greatly appreciated!