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Community rallies for stroke victim


Hofmann family copyA Waipu family is attempting to raise $30,000 to fund an unorthodox stroke treatment available only in the US.

Hanne Hofmann was just 56-years-old when she suffered a severe stroke 21 months ago affecting her entire right side.

Despite daily rehabilitation and ongoing treatment she is still unable to speak or read, suffering from a speech impediment called aphasia making it difficult for her to comprehend and communicate. Her arm is fully paralysed and she needs a leg brace and walking aid.

Relatively young for such a crippling illness, Hanne has a huge amount of self-motivation and determination says daughter Tui, but traditional rehabilitation can only do so much.

“We want to raise awareness about strokes in New Zealand,” she says. “It is the leading crippling illness among adults and there are an average of 24 strokes in New Zealand daily.”

Tui adds that despite these alarming figures, stroke support and rehabilitation are extremely limited.

Hanne attends a one hour physiotherapy session and a one hour hydrotherapy session a week – a total of just two 2 hours of government funded support a week.

“That’s not nearly enough rehabilitation to achieve her goal to be independent again,” says Tui. “Stroke victims are essentially on their own, and unless they have the money to pay usually receive little further rehabilitation.”

Hanne has love and support from friends, family and the Waipu community behind her. Partner Achmed has stopped working and become her therapist and support person.

Now the family has decided to try a new controversial treatment available in the US. During the treatment patients are tipped upside down where a drug is administered to the base of the spine. The anti-swelling medication travels to the brain and within minutes patients see results.

How you can help
The groundbreaking treatment costs US$6000 per administration so the family and community have now begun fundraising for Hanne’s treatment in late November, starting a fundraising page with non-profit Givealittle where people can help by making a donation. Visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/Givegiven.

The Hofmann family are the energy behind Circool Circus, and the community are putting on a performance evening with circus artists, singers, dancers and poetry to raise awareness and funds at Waipu’s Coronation Hall, October 4, 7.30pm.

 
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