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For Jorge - help bring back the million dollar smile!

  • Mark Jorge’s Kiwi Friend

      17 August 2018

    4 very long weeks on, it has been intensely frustrating and exhausting coping with all of the paperwork, interviews with endless doctors, nurses, specialists, Southern Cross insurance, Immigration, the Colombian embassy, etc, etc, etc. “the Privacy Act”!!!, No one would talk without Jorge’s permission which we had, but he was unconscious at times and unable to give it on demand. We got by…….Also having to help him wash, do his washing and cope with his requirements food wise etc has been very demanding. The nurses do a great job but they can’t do everything that is required. I can’t thank Fernanda Penny, her husband Nathan and Jose (Fernanda’s son) for their assistance with the above tasks which were completed without the bat of an eyelid. None of this would have happened without them. “Dios te bendiga”.

    Jorge never ceases to amaze us, the doctors, nurses and all of his friends with his delightful charm, witty humor and downright tenacious attitude towards getting himself back on track.

    He really “is” one in a million.

    When he will be able to return to my home is unsure at this stage. His left side is not behaving as it should but we are hoping full usage will return as he is Left handed and a highly qualified computer software developer. Please feel free to visit him at 182 Whangaparaoa Rd, Red Beach.

    Hopefully, Jorge’s mother will be here soon. Senora Libia speaks very little English but Jorge can translate to her very well. I’m sure she will get the gist of your intention anyway.

    As Colombia does not have a “friendly” agreement with New Zealand, getting Visa’s etc has been “trying” to say the least. Things take a while to happen in Colombia. I believe Senora Libia has her Visa now and will soon be “winging” her way to NZ to see her beloved son.Thank you for your support for Jorge. It has been a hell of a ride but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter thanks to people like you.

    Thank you immensely,

    Mark, Fernanda, Jose, Nathan, family and supporters.

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  • Bacterial Meningitis

      11 August 2018
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    Update time:

    It’s been a long haul for our beloved Jorge and it’s sadly not over yet.

    It has now been confirmed that Jorge has Bacterial Meningitis. Unfortunately this is the worst type to have.

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening form of the disease that can cause serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and ultimately death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This form of meningitis usually occurs when bacteria gets into the bloodstream and travels to the brain and spinal cord. Types of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis include Haemophilus influenzae (usually type b), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or saliva transfer during kissing or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Certain forms of bacterial meningitis can be caused by eating contaminated food, though sometimes the source is never known.

    Sudden onset of symptoms such as headache, fever, and stiff neck is common with bacterial meningitis. Other symptoms, such as rash, nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity, and confusion may appear, typically within three to seven days of exposure to disease-causing germs. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis often get mistaken for the flu, which can make diagnosis difficult. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

    Be aware people!!!

    Time is of the essence!

    Jorge appears to have, or get the occasional fever. Doctors are working hard to isolate the cause and treat as appropriate. Jorge, bless him, is as positive as ever and is ever optimistic of his full recovery. This is what we are all praying for. We are here for you Jorge 👍🏻🙏🏻🇨🇴

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    • 13/08/2018 by bruce

      what's next then?

  • Miracle

      31 July 2018

    Wow! What a day! This guy with the million dollar smile blows me away. He has gone from mahem to MIRACLE , for him,in 9 very long days. 👏🍾🎉🎈.

    Sporting 42 staples and 25 odd stitches he is looking really good and being his good old self again 👍🏻🙏🏻. His head bandage has been removed and the great job the surgeons have done is clearly obvious. The nasal tube should be removed tomorrow. We have just had a visit from the surgeon and he is very happy with the results and progress. Thanks to them. He is able to eat and drink very small amounts but it makes him feel a little nauseous at times. One day at a time is fine.

    Thank you all for your support.

    God bless.🙏🙏🙏

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    • 01/08/2018 by bruce

      thanks for the update, how is Jorge today?