'I need help with the most basic things': Backpacker's plea after horrific accident
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES
A backpacker injured in a terrible car accident before renewing her travel insurance has pleaded for financial help as she struggles to get on top of her expensive medical bills.
Andra Nickerson, from Olympia in Washington State, had just commenced her second year working holiday visa in Australia when she was involved in a life-changing head-on collision in Queensland.
The 27-year-old required two surgeries to fix her mangled knee and foot which were crushed in the accident on Doonan Bridge Road, Doonan, on the Sunshine Coast on April 12.
Pleading to a Facebook community group for help, Ms Nickerson, who was discharged from Sunshine Coast University Hospital on April 16, said she needed “assistance with the most basic things”.
“Going to the bathroom or reaching for a glass of water is a major ordeal,” she said, adding she was normally a “do it myself” person, however her situation forced her to rely on others for help with daily tasks.
“I must swallow my pride and accept the fact that this is one of those situations in life when you can’t do it alone. This accident is beyond my capacity to fix,” Ms Nickerson said.
“The doctors say I may not have the ability to run or jump again, and my risk of developing early onset arthritis is extremely high due to the severity of my injuries.”
A Go Fund Me page established on Monday has already raised more than $10,000 towards Ms Nickerson’s $20,000 goal.
“If you are able to donate any amount whatsoever to help with my medical bills, I would be forever grateful and humbled by your generosity,” she said.
“I will pay it forward in the future once I am able to return the favour. Thank you for all the love, positive vibes, prayers, and well wishes. This is just a bump in the road of my many adventures.”
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