Ron's Recovery

Ron Archer is a respected Djungan Elder and community leader residing in Dimbulah, North Queensland. On the 2nd January 2017 Ron was taken into Mareeba Hospital with chest pains. Tests revealed he had suffered a significant heart attack and was immediately airlifted to Cairns Base Hospital. He was admitted into the Cardiac Care Unit…. an hour later he suffered a major stroke .

The stroke affected the left side of his body. Given that Ron had lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident in 1971, his recovery and chances to walk again were minimal. Doctors believed that due to the severity of the stroke, Ron would not regain any movement in his left leg again so medical staff reduced rehabilitation and therapy treatments. Some time after this, Ron called Doctors and staff to his hospital bed and told them to look at his leg. While everyone was watching he was able to briefly move his leg unassisted. Doctors then resumed rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatment.

After 3 months in Cairns Base Hospital he was no longer classed as “High Risk” and was transferred to Mareeba Base Hospital where he spent another 3 months. On 30th June 2017 Ron was discharged from Mareeba and moved into his Dimbulah residence.

Ron is 68 years old and has had a highly decorated professional career and a long list of personal achievements throughout his life. He has developed special connections with people all around Australia. Ron and his family are now calling on support from those people he has connected with.

Ron and his family are now raising funds for necessary works to be done to ensure he has the best chances of recovery. Funds raised will contribute towards:

·        Wheelchair access ramps

·        Customised toilet/shower facility

·        Assisting with rehabilitation & physiotherapy

We are extremely grateful for any assistance from family, friends, colleagues and the broader community. Ron is committed to working on his recovery and he is extremely thankful for any assistance he receives.