Nelson’s rehab

My name is Natalia, and this is the story of my husband, Nelson…

A few months ago, we arrived in New Zealand from Colombia with the hope of starting a new life. With effort, hard work, and a lot of hope, we were making our way in this country. But everything changed one afternoon in May.

Nelson came home from work, as usual. He showered, changed… and suddenly began to feel dizzy. He asked me for a glass of water and in a matter of seconds, he collapsed to the floor, unable to move the left side of his body. He was having a stroke, and I, not knowing English, with no family nearby, and in a state of shock, had to act.

Thanks to a friend, we were able to call an ambulance. They first took him to the hospital in Queenstown, but due to the severity of his condition, he had to be flown by helicopter to Dunedin for emergency brain surgery. In the middle of the night, in my pajamas, crying and scared, I signed the paperwork authorizing a life-saving operation that involved removing part of his skull to stop the bleeding.

Thank God and the doctors, Nelson survived. But the road hasn't been easy.

Today he needs daily care, therapy, and soon, another surgery to replace the removed part of his skull. I had to return to work as soon as possible because if I didn't meet my weekly hours, my visa would be canceled, also jeopardizing his access to healthcare. We brought his mother from Colombia to care for him while I work. Every day is an emotional, physical, and financial challenge.

Please help.