KELLY'S STORY
Born into a Racing family, Kelly Peters was fated to have a passion for our four legged friends. Earlier this year Kelly was out filling water troughs in a paddock with a couple of yearlings playing close by, when one of the yearlings ran by and kicked it's heels up. Her heels connected with Kelly's head, rendering her unconscious, barely breathing & leaving her with severe head & facial injuries. As luck would have it, Kelly's husband Shaun was at home to call the Ambulance and Kelly was rushed to the local hospital. Her injuries were so severe that it took a two weeks in intensive care for Kelly to be stabilized and many times during this week it was not expected she would live. Shaun had to face the reality that he may lose his wife and the children, Aden & Natasha, their mother. Kelly was then airlifted to Brisbane by the Royal Flying Doctors Service, for emergency surgery to rebuild portions of her scull & face, and save her eye. The surgeon in Brisbane said it was the worst facial injury he had ever seen. It has been a long road back for Kelly, one she has faced with a quiet strength and tenacity that can only be admired and respected by all who know her and those who don't. Kelly says if it wasn't for the strength and support from her husband and her children she feels she would not be here as they were truly her reason to keep fighting. Kelly wrote to me following the story on the bulletin board regarding the tragic passing of US Vet, Dr John Steiner after a fatal accident involving a clients stallion. She wrote not only to tell of her own near fatal experience, more to reiterate the accidental & often unexpected danger that surrounds us every day. Kelly is on the road to recovery and she cherishes each day as they come. Her warning for all of us is to never become too complacent & not to take life for granted as it is but a fleeting moment.. here one day and gone the next. We wish Kelly, Shaun and their family all the very best in all of their future endeavours. UPDATE SEPT 2008 I received a very worring email from Kelly this morning... Please read below. Well.. just got back from seeing the doctor with some not so good news....I have had fluid coming out of my ear which has been tested to be coming from my brain. In turn this has caused an ear infection, so the doctors have put me on yet more tablets to kill the infection as they are now worried about me getting Meningitis. This news has certainly rattled us all, we'll be seeing the specialist beginning of next month for further tests, but an operation may very well be on the cards.Regards Kelly I rang Kelly after receiving this email and this time when we spoke I could hear exhaustion and fear in Kelly's voice. The whole time her focus is how this ordeal is affecting her husband and her children. Horse women are a strange breed, they tend to be strong, capable women who more often than not, are the rock or strength of the family unit. It is now time for Kelly to rest and concentrate on getting better, however getting her to stop and rest or simply slow down is not resting well with someone used to be so active. Kelly does seem to have recognised the severity of her situation and has resigned herself to the fact that rest is the only way she is going to heal. Lets keep her still reading emails of support.. Send Kelly an email of support as it is at times like this when a simple UPDATE FROM KELLY AT FRONTIER PAINT HORSES (nov.08) Hi Toni,
Just thought I would give you an update on my trip to the specialist in Brisbane. Quite frankly it was a complete waste of time, as I mentioned, I have fluid leaking from my ear that tested positive for sugar, therefore coming from my brain. Well the specialist {with all his wisdom} said it was caused by depression.. having heard this, I looked at my husband then we got up & walked out, went to the motel, packed our bags & left for the long drive home.
My doctor here has diagnosed me as having a skull fracture that hasn't yet sealed therefore causing leakage, he's a great doctor & has been spot-on with my symptoms & treatment so far. My balance is improving, I've had to learn to do alot of things all over again but I am improving. I still hold my husbands arm when in town, as I fall to the left, I'm doing speech therapy & physio, the headaches are still quite bad but they are less intense, so to sum it all up "time heals all wounds". I would like to thank you Toni & to all of the wonderful people that have sent well wishes, it is appreciated more than words can say.
Kind Regards UPDATE (Dec 2008) I would also like to thank anyone who sent Kelly an email of good wishes. You will probably never know just how much these messages of support have made Kelly feel. I can certainly say how proud & grateful I am that you took the time to be thoughtful.. all to rare in this day and age. Good on you. After receiving Kelly's last email and reading of her frustration at the outcome of her appointment with the specialist with regard to the fluid leaking from her ear, dizziness, ongoing balance issues & constant, very painful headaches. I spoke with Liza'l Textor (Speciality (imp)), and she kindly offered to speak with her Neurologist during her December appointment, (he is the Doctor who cured the young girl with Turrets Syndrome recently) as she has known him for many years and although he is not taking any new clients, the hope was that he just may meet with Kelly. I emailed Kelly with Liza'ls offer and her reply was very unexpected. Kelly explained that the family had not been covered by private medical insurance at the time of the accident and though they are now, Kelly's case was deemed ongoing therefore not covered by their new insurance. Kelly's husband Shaun had to take 3 months off work after the accident and only returned to short work hours after this period, due to Kelly's ongoing care & their two children. Due to these reasons After chewing through their savings, they are now finding it difficult to simply make ends meet, let alone afford to see another specialist. I find it appalling that Kelly and Scott have to choose between paying bills or buying food and getting Kelly the specialist help she needs to ensure her own health. Her GP has tested the fluid leaking from Kelly's ear and it returned positive to Glucose - meaning the fluid is definitely brain related. I am sure you can imagine the complications Kelly could end up with and appreciate the seriousness of the situation she and Shaun have found themselves in. After some strong encouragement & many tears from this wonderful couple they agreed to let me ask for some assistance. I have listed Kelly's bank details below for anyone who wishes to help raise the funds for Kelly to see another specialist. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. As a very astute gentleman once said - a whole lot of small amounts always add UP. I am sure in similar circumstances we would all like to think that someone would extend the hand of help. UPDATE - KELLY PETERS (10/12/08) Liza'l Textor (Speciality (imp)), spoke with her Neurologist (he is the Doctor who cured the young girl with Turrets Syndrome recently) he was very concerned when he heard of Kelly's ongoing symptoms and has recommended she speak with a ENT Surgeon as soon as possible, and has kindly offered to confer with this surgeon in order to gain the best possible result. He said Kelly will need surgery to stop the fluid leaking from her around her brain. This should also stop the painful headaches and the balance, dizziness, and nausea Kelly is suffering. Needless to say Kelly and Shaun are relieved to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel, although there is still some way to go yet. We cannot thank Liza'l enough for taking Kelly's case to Dr Silburn. 6 degrees of separation... hmm NOTE FROM SHAUN & KELLY Hello Everybody, We are all doing fine, bearing the hot weather & storm activity. Kelly's managing ok, still suffering intense pain in her head, balance problems & the fluid leak in her ear. We are so overwhelmed by the generosity of so many wonderful people & would like to thank you all for everything you have done for us. We also would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to one lady in particular.....Toni....we can't thank you enough for everything you have done & we take our hats off to you. Giving Kelly the opportunity to get a second opinion from another specialist has left us, simply lost for words. UPDATE - KELLY PETERS We have worked out that in order for Kelly to have an appointment with the specialist, an MRI, overnight accommodation, and medicine, should cost around $3500. On going medical costs are unknown at this stage. I will keep you updated as to the tally - through regular updates on the bulletin board. Your donations can be made anonymously through a branch or you can email your name to me and I will add it to the list to be placed on Kelly's Page. Cheers Toni. STALLION SERVICE SALE & CAR BOOT SALE The following Stallion Services were very generously donated to aid in raising money for Kelly Peters. This money will enable Kelly to enlist the services of Dr Panizza, an Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon, to fix the scull fracture and brain fluid leak that is causing Kell's balance and Physio Therapy and medications. I received emails from a few stallion owners with regard to running a stallion service sale to help with Kelly's on going medical needs. This stallion service sale will be run from now through until March 2009. Services will be redeemable during the 2009 Breeding season I have also recieved emails from people who have show halters, rugs, and other items that they wish to donate for sale. You will find more information on how you can donate products for the CAR BOOT SALE below. The car boot sale will be run in the New Year. Stallion Service Sale & How it works :
The Stallion Service you buy will include only the service fee. On behalf of Kelly, Shaun & their children, I would like to thank you all very much for your generosity. STALLION SERVICE SALE |
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