Having led an extremely active life, cycling around Australia, South America and various other parts of the world, as well as working for Lithgow Tafe as a Cross Country Skiing, Canyoning and Rock Climbing instructor, SJ underwent the operation hoping to alleviate several months of nerve pain down her left arm.She now faces a big challenge ahead of her.

SJ has already undertaken over 9 months of rehabilitation in both RNS and Royal Ryde Rehabilitation centre, but has now returned home and is keen to embark on the next stage of her path to recovery and trying to regain her independence. Along with her family she has exhaustively researched the latest treatments and rehabilitation options for spinal cord injuries.

IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, OUR VERY SPECIAL FRIEND SJ (SARAH-JANE STASZAK

– NÉE ELVIN) WENT INTO ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL TO UNDERGO A

‘ROUTINE’ OPERATION ON A BULGING DISC IN HER NECK. UNFORTUNATELY,

SHE CAME OUT OF THAT OPERATION A QUADRIPLEGIC.

ITGIVE

The most progressive rehabilitation centres by far are in the US, and SJ’s goal is to attend one of

these centres and enroll in an intensive rehabilitation

program, which would be far more extensive than

anything currently available here in Australia.

Additionally, she is planning to equip her home

and life with the necessary tools that will enable

her to participate as actively as possible in her role

as mother to her 5-year-old son, Hamish. To

facilitate this she needs to modify her home with

the necessary aids and equipment and buy a

modified car.

SJ’s immediate family are committed in every way to

providing the material and emotional support

required. However at the very least, the gap between

the financial capacity of the family and the cost will be

around $300,000 over the next 3 years.

SJ has a large network of friends and colleagues

who are doing all they can to support her,

including assisting in the organisation of a

fundraising event planned for November 2014

and with this in mind, we’re reaching out to

individuals and businesses to help realise

SJ’s goal.

TO F O L LOW T H E C A M PA I G N ’ S P R O G R E S S V I S I T O U R FAC E B O O K G R O U P, F R I E N D S O F S J O R TO O F F E R S U P P O R T BY WAY O F A D O N AT I O N , P L E A S E E M A I L U S AT I N F O @ G I V E I T U P F O R S J .C O M