Medics’ triathlon raises $3000 for stricken nurse and family
DUNEDIN intensive care nurse Teresa Sevilla is making progress after suffering a massive brain bleed and collapsing while working on the ward on August 3.
On Saturday, about 50 fellow staff and friends took part in a triathlon aimed at raising funds to help her and her family while she recovers.
Event organiser and intensive care consultant Dr Markus Renner was delighted with the turnout.
‘‘It was good to see the intensive care team there as well as support from other colleagues throughout the hospital.
‘‘There were people from nephrology, the emergency department, and anaesthetics too.’’
He estimated the event raised about $3000 for the Philippine family’s Givealittle page.
More than $45,000 has been raised on Givealittle so far.
When Mrs Sevilla collapsed she was 32 weeks pregnant and because her brain was still too swollen after the sudden bleed, a neurosurgeon deemed it was too risky to perform surgery.
So the decision was made to perform an emergency Caesarean and baby Estella Marie was born.
Since then, mother and baby have been moved to Christchurch Hospital and her husband, Heylon Sevilla, who is also an intensive care nurse, and their 5yearold son, Nio, have moved there to be near her while she recovers.
Mr Sevilla said his wife’s recovery was progressing slowly, but she was moving in the right direction.
He was very appreciative of the support from Dr Renner and the staff at Dunedin Hospital.
‘‘Their thoughts and prayers have been with us, and I can’t thank them enough for that — especially Dr Renner.’’