Tetraplegic Daughters Fundraiser for Father

My dad had a stroke. To live,he needs housing modifications a power wheelchair and eye surgery to achieve a basic quality of life.

Canterbury

A few months ago, my dad attempted suicide. He had a stroke over a year ago and is paralysed down his right side. Cognitively, his mind is fine, but he isn’t eligible for much support in NZ. He spends most of his days sitting in an armchair with limited mobility and minimal support. His suicide attempt brought up a lot of unresolved issues and I spiraled into a deep depression. I stopped everything; social media, my PhD, even talking to friends. I am still terrified he may attempt again, and I suspect he will unless he gets the support needed to live. He needs surgery to correct his sight problem urgently and then he will be able to use a power wheelchair and other aids and return to a meaningful life. From my own experience, this means utilizing a holistic approach that will give him a sense of autonomy and purpose. The money raised will be used to purchase a power wheelchair and make accesibility modifications to his home. It will also cover his eye surgery if needed as its unclear at this stage whether the public health service will cover this. I know these things will help him on his way to reclaiming a sense of who he was; a fit, healthy and active man who loves the outdoors, nature and his family. I am my fathers daughter, I have also attempted suicide but through my experiences, I know that counselling alone is not enough, especially if you have recently become impaired. His environment needs to change. His perception of himself needs to change... but he will need support and help to achieve this. This is my goal; to give him back a life he loves. Please take a look at the YouTube story I put together that goes into this issue in more depth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwgguECPYsg&t=36s

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFlhC0ilriH/

Claire Freeman's involvement (page creator)

I am raising money to help pay for housing modifications a power wheelchair and corrective eye surgery.

Use of funds

Due to my fathers suicidal mental state, he requires housing modifications, and a power wheel chair to regain a sense of Independence and well-being. In addition funds will be used for corrective eye surgery if the public health system will not cover this.

Other page links

You helped save his life 25 December 2020

Posted by: Claire Freeman

I'd love to let you know that thanks to your donation, we were able to fund eye surgery that resulted in my dad being able to see well enough to use a power wheelchair. I sourced a powerchair and took it up north to Whangarei, where he lives. Trying the chair out for the first time, after exploring the house, he went outside and his first words were 'I haven't been or seen the garden for 2 years!... suffice to say there were many happy tears. He's become sociable again and has a new love for life. He is no longer confined to his bed or armchair. He even has access to his kitchen to make food and a cuppa - bliss he reckons. Lotteries declined any mobility funding for him due to 'the large number of grant requests received and the limited funds available', so your donation was a life-saver. Certainly the suicidal thoughts he had have gone. Thank you. You have given me back my dad, you have given him a life. Happy holidays, we will always be grateful, love Claire Freeman (Phil's daughter).

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