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Anna's Road to Recovery

  • Hello again from Anna,

      22 January 2023

    The medical bills are trickling in so I thought I would let you know the hopeful news. Currently standing, if I get the grant from Memorial Medical Center than this Give A Little, YOU GUYS, should pay for the medical bills I have incurred.

    I am again incredibly moved by the generous support of you all. Whether you are friends, family, or those who have been moved by the accident and Jack and I’s story I thank you. It has been humbling to listen to how people have come to hear of the moment of my accident and what happened. I am sorry to have put you all through this ringer of emotion. Be well in knowing I am getting back to it and still myself! Kayaking with some superb friends has allowed me to be in these places I love once again. To be in the mountains in Fiordland or sea caves in Otago. I have been tentatively getting back on the bike for some gravel rides and swimming my way through summer.

    Thank you for your belief in me. I am indebted to not be in DEBT. I did not realise this was weighing on me till my mum told me of the discounts given to me by the surgeons and some of my insurance pulling through. Instant relief was hearing I wouldn’t have some legal matters or bill left in America to never return …

    Next steps are hopefully on the rock and in the underwater world as I have realised my greatest passion lying within the realms of my degree in Marine Science and Ecology, in the Great Outdoors.

    Thanks again!

    I’ll update once more before we pull the give a little and likely start a website for updates, missions in the hills, and conservation.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 23/01/2023 by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

      Hey Anna - great to hear you have been in the water again. Where in NZ are you based now?? Lets catch up some time!

  • From Anna

      27 November 2022

    Hey everyone,

    These last few months in New Zealand I have really focused on my recovery and getting back to the bush! My goals are to get back to everything I love doing.

    I appreciate all the love and support from my friends and family I have around me. I’ve been carried and/or been given a piggyback across the sand, to the ocean so I can have a swim. My friends have often taken me for trips out of the hospital to get some yummy food too.

    I’ve been surrounded by awesome amputees who enjoy the outdoors and have encouraged me in my transition to this restart in life.

    I hope I can continue to push myself and heal not only physically but mentally.

    Next week I am leaving Burwood Spinal Unit and entering the wide world. Thank you to each and every one of you for your donations, to helping me get home, for the creativity of your fundraising and for the countless businesses donating to my cause.

    Aroha Nui

    Anna

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 28/11/2022 by Patte

      What a blessing to see you doing this well. I met your mum and dad at the hospital in Modesto while my husband was on the same floor as you recovering from surgery. When I see your spirit and your attitude about the road ahead of you I am encouraged in my own life to tackle things that are on my own path. You are a reminder to us all . We continue to pray for you and your recovery and for your friends and family as they walk along side you

      God bless,

      Patte

    • 24/01/2023 by Louise

      Mōrena Anna!😃

      It’s so lovely to hear from you again and to see the strides you’ve made since your accident.

      You have an incredible spirit.

      During all of those very difficult times you continued to work hard and do what’s necessary to give yourself another shot at the life you want for yourself.

      That takes incredible courage and focus. More than anyone who’s not been through something like this could ever even begin to understand.

      Your courage, your dedication, your strength and the grit you have shown is like a bright and shining star to all of those with difficulties to overcome.

      Well done girl!!!

      You are beyond amazing. 🙌🏼

  • Anna's Journey Home - From Anna

      3 October 2022
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    Finally made the journey home thanks to Air Ambulance Australasia and my awesome mum who has been there every step of the way. I was treated with a beautiful scenic flight from Auckland to Christchurch, showcasing our insanely beautiful country, our home. I was super stoked to see my family on the tarmac when I arrived in Christchurch and to be back home with them.

    I am getting out and about way more and loving seeing some progress with my leg. It’s been awesome to have so many friends and family come around and support me here. I feel very loved and thankful for the support I feel from my country and beyond.

      4 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 04/10/2022 by Ian

      Hi Anna

      Its great to hear each of your successes

      Thinking of you

      Ian

      Belfast

      Christchurch

    • 04/10/2022 by Jai

      It's great to hear you finally got back home! Keep your wonderful attitude of life as high as possible, it has its powerful magic to multiply results of healing and recovery :)

    • 05/10/2022 by olivier

      hello anna

      I wish you the best for the future and a good rest

      You are very strong

      oliver from Versailles ( France)

    • 06/10/2022 by Greg

      Hi Anna, very pleased to hear that you are home and recovering. What an horrific experience - thank goodness you were rescue and are alive. We dont know each other- I was an alpine and rock climber out of Wellington, Dunedin and Victoria for 20 years. I lost many of my friends to the mountains but now have 2 wonderful kids - Hannah a brilliant photographer and Tim - multi talented and a small plane pilot. And we all surf together. Climbing was a huge part of my life but there have been other wonderful parts of life. It's precious so guard it and use it. Hope you recovery comes along strongly and keep positive. Cheers Greg

  • THANK YOU

      9 September 2022
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    To all the wonderful donors…

    My family would like to sincerely thank you for all your kind generosity. Each one of you has made a huge difference to Anna’s life and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    With your funds, we are able to bring Anna home very soon to New Zealand so she can stop paying US medical bills and continue her rehab with family and friends close by her side.

    We honestly could not have done it without you.

    Thank you so much.

    Parsons family.

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    • 11/09/2022 by Amy

      That is wonderful news about Anna. You all will be so happy to have her back home when she comes home. Best wishes to Anna. From Amy

    • 11/09/2022 by Louise

      Hi Anna,

      Janine Shephard is an Olympic cyclist who had similar injuries after being hit by a UTE during a practice session. Here is one of her Ted Talks which I thought might be inspirational to watch.

      All the best,

      Louise

      Janine Shepard: Ted Talk

      https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_shepherd_a_broken_body_isn_t_a_broken_person?language=tt

  • A big thank you from Anna

      27 August 2022

    Anna has made a special video for all of you amazing people who have donated, fundraised, and supported her in her time of need. Some of you have never known Anna, but you have been so kind! Thank you!

      7 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 28/08/2022 by David

      Onward and upward Anna. I don't know you but i suffered life changing injuries from a paragliding accident 12 years ago. Keep your head straight and you will be fine. Oh and I love NZ, good friends in Dunedin and Taranaki. And I flew treble cone Wanaka 8 years AFTER the accident. Much love a wishes for a great recovery!

    • 28/08/2022 by Ron

      Hello Anna, you look radiant and in great spirits. I'm wishing you all the best to make a great recovery. Sending you love and light to keep your spirits up.

      Ron from Canada :)

    • 28/08/2022 by Jai

      Kia Ora Anna, you are doing great! Get better and get home!

    • 28/08/2022 by Aaron Greaves

      Awesome to hear your voice Anna

    • 28/08/2022 by Grant

      Yay, go Anna! Glad that you are healing well!

    • 29/08/2022 by Ken

      You're doing great Anna, sad to see you a kiwi all alone over there, but you must have great heart. Its not long to go now.

    • 30/08/2022 by Laetitia

      Dear Anna,

      We don't know each other and I don't know how I came across your fundraising but something similar happened to me in Mexico 4 years ago and It changed my life forever ( for the best) ! It's been very painful and frightening but such a wonderful and warm feeling to know that we're not alone. I wish you a fast recovery so that you can enjoy more and more beautiful adventures.

      You're awesome !

      Greetings from South of France

      Laetitia

  • Fund Update

      19 August 2022
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    Thank you to everyone for being so generous.

    Please note costs update:

    The funds being raised will be used for Anna's medical costs in the USA and for bringing her home safely.

    Thank you.

      6 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 20/08/2022 by Louise

      Dear Anna,

      You don’t know me but you know my daughter who told me what happened to you out there in a faraway land.

      I’m so sorry about what happened to you and I wish you all the strength and determination one can muster and a lot of love.

      From what I’ve heard you’re the kind of person who can see this through. Having said that I also know that that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier.

      I hope that your healing is rapid and that you’ll be able to come home soon.

      My thoughts and prayers are with you.

      With much love,

      Louise

    • 20/08/2022 by Fiona

      Great work Anna. Kia kaha Kia toa.

    • 20/08/2022 by Joanne

      All the very best Anna with your recovery.

    • 26/08/2022 by Judith

      We are following your progress with interest, Anna. You are an inspiration still, with your positive attitude and obvious great love for the Lord. I bet you are making a difference to all those who are looking after you! We anticipate a great recovery. Love from Judith & Murray Aitken.

    • 28/08/2022 by Rona

      All the best for a speedy recovery 💕

    • 10/09/2022 by Peter

      Hi Anna - your positive nature will be a huge asset as you recuperate. You will remain in my prayers. I’m still leading Frog Squad & we Have been praying for you as a group. There’s a job for you helping again if you get bored 😜😜

      You take care & continue being an inspiration.

      Love from Pete H

  • Update on Anna

      13 August 2022
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    Anna has finally finished all her surgeries but she is in lots of pain!

    Today, however, she was hoisted out of bed and into a wheelchair wearing a neck brace and back brace and had some time out of her bed! Small steps!!

    Thank you so much to everyone who has donated towards her medical costs!! You have blown us away with your generous donations. Thank you!

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  • Medical Costs

      11 August 2022

    Anna's medical bills are extensive as you can imagine, we now have a huge goal to try help cover some of the costs of repairing Anna.

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