I have attended Headway Natal for eleven years following my involvement in a serious aeroplane crash in November 2002.
I suffered multiple injuries at the time and after a year in hospital and 4 months each at various rehab centres in Gauteng and KZN it was recommended I go to Headway for further therapy and support.
This place of therapy and care is exceptional and it is run with love and Godly principles. The patients are supported with professional therapy in a loving and caring environment, as shown by all the carers and volunteers who together all form part of the Headway support team.
The camaraderie between patients, friends, carers and physios is a joy to behold. It is especially encouraging to know you are not alone or the only person experiencing this kind of challenge, recovering from a debilitating accident or stroke.
Howard Bennett
Before my stroke on 4 September 2013, I was an independent woman who loved life and lived it to the fullest as many of you reading my testimonial may currently be living your lives.
I was admitted into a full-time rehabilitation facility on 26 September 2013 for intense therapy expecting miraculous improvements and progress. Looking back, I now realise just how unrealistic my expectations for recovery were.
When I didn’t hear what I wanted to hear, or see instant results, I became very tearful, angry, frustrated and emotional. It also made my situation and disability more of a reality.
I was like an infant having to learn life’s basics all over again, with heartache for my lost mobility and quality of life which was deeply felt by my family.
In March 2014 I had my first appointment as an outpatient at Headway Natal. With the help of the amazing people at Headway I have recovered in ways I did not think would ever be possible. I am back at work full time, driving and although still disabled, living life to the fullest and enjoying my second chance.
This experience brought my close-knit family even closer. All I can say is keep the Lord close, keep your family and friends closer. And families – keep the stroke patient closest.
Anything is possible if we have the right attitude and realise that we are the only limitation on our recovery.
Bev Masson