Personal message

Cameron was involved in a serious car accident on the 28th of July 2023.  A vehicle travelling at high speed skipped the red traffic light and slammed into Cameron.

Cameron was in a medically induced coma for several days and sustained neck, lower back fractures and a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury).  He spent 7 Days in the intensive care unit and a further month in hospital.  His brain injuries are so severe that he requires 24-hour care and intensive therapy. He has been at St Giles, a home for the disabled since October 2023.

Cameron has come a long way since his accident. Through therapy he has learned to walk and talk again, but in any recovery, there are setbacks. Cameron has had to have a PEG feeding tube inserted as he is currently unable to swallow. Any food he ingests aspirates which causes severe complications with the lungs. He requires on-going therapy to strengthen the tongue and neck muscles and we are hopeful the tube will be removed soon. Cameron has lost over 30kgs (66lbs) and currently weighs 44kgs (97lbs), he requires special supplements to gain weight and muscle.

The Occupational therapy is provided by Nica 3 times a week.  He needs this therapy to improve his cognitive functioning and resolve the post traumatic amnesia.  

Serena his Physio therapist is working on strengthening his body, and to get him walking safely and unaided through her 3 sessions a week. 

We have a new speech therapist working with Cameron 3 x a week, she is focusing right now on getting Cameron off the feeding tube, she is also helping him with his annunciation and speech volume.

Cameron is not on medical aid/insurance, all medical expenses to date have been paid by his parents, John and Carol.  This costs in excess of R45,000.00 a month and does not include medication, special care needs or feeding supplements.

UPDATE: February 2024;

Cameron has been on the feeding tube for over 2 months now and has gained about 6.5kgs, better, but nowhere near where we need him to be.  There have been multiple complications with his medication.  He takes Haloperidol at a very high dosage to stabilize his emotions and to prevent seizures, this medication is causing sever extra-pyramidal side effects including stiffness, muscle tension, irritability, confusion, aggression, and anxiety.  Further this has impacted the ability to do any of the needed therapies. 

As of February 21st, his medication has been adjusted, he has to be weaned off the current medication and they have cautioned us that he could get worse before he gets better.  It is important to remember people with brain injuries metabolize the medication differently.  

Camerons path is full of challenges, but he is a fighter and we know he will get there.  His medical costs continue to rise, and the family is forever grateful for the contributions.  We ask you to share his story far and wide so we can continue to provide him with the best care.

For updates on Cameron, his recovery and how your donations are being spent, please follow our Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1289882868349930/?ref=share_group_link

 

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