‘Humbled’ by fund raising response
THE family of a University of Otago student seriously injured in a rock climbing accident in the United States has been overwhelmed by an ‘‘amazing’’ international response that has raised $289,722 towards her recovery.
Anna Parsons (21) broke several bones and suffered internal injuries in her 12m fall at Snake Dike in Yosemite National Park earlier this month, and her left foot was so badly damaged it had to be amputated.
The thirdyear marine ecology student’s medical bills exceed $1 million, and her travel insurance only covers part of the costs, so her family set up a Givealittle page aiming to raise $500,000.
The story of Miss Parson’s fall attracted international media attention.
Her brother, Ben, said the family was grateful for the support Miss Parsons had received.
‘‘All around the world, there’s Kiwis and Aussies and French and Americans that have supported her, either through giving financially or just messages of support.’’
Closer to home, the South Coast Board Riders club in St Clair will hold a fundraising event tomorrow evening , with food, live music and raffles.
‘‘We’re kind of humbled by it all and I know Anna really appreciates it,’’ Mr Parsons said.
‘‘Every little bit counts. At the end of the day she’s got a big bill that she has to pay one way or another.’’
Miss Parsons was staying positive, but needed time to heal, her brother said.
‘‘She’s talking about them moving her to a rehab facility in the next few days . . . there she’ll be able to do more specialised physical therapy to assist with walking again.
‘‘She’s doing pretty well, I think, given the circumstances.’’
The family was looking into bringing her back home, but they needed to be sure it was safe for her to fly, given the risk of blood clots, he said.
They had applied for a grant to cover some of the daily hospital costs of $4000 per day.
‘‘If she doesn’t get that grant, it’s more and more money, so it’s better to fly back to New Zealand.’’
The timeline for this was unclear, as the approval of several doctors was needed.
‘‘It would hopefully be within the next month, I would say.’’
He had met the Government to express his concerns and it had been openminded to feedback, but the biggest push had been the findings of the Commerce Commission, Mr Lane said.
Dr Clark said the new plan