Please help Sam in his journey to recovery.

In May this year, Sam suffered a life changing injury whilst playing Premier rugby for Ponsonby RFC. This freak tackle has resulted in the paralysis of his right arm & hand due to nerves being ripped from his spinal cord. In order to try and restore some function, it has been recommended he seek surgery abroad and this, unfortunately, requires private funding in excess of $100k. Please help our rugby brother to fund these rare procedures which will help him begin the long road to recovery, so he can get back to enjoying time with his new born son, Rico. Any support would be greatly appreciated.

Give a Little update April 2016

In late 2015, Sam started his reconstruction journey and headed across to Melbourne for 21 days where he received 2 major operations totaling 21 hours of surgery. The operations are considered rare and very challenging.

The operations consisted of a series of nerve grafts, nerve transfers and lastly a major muscle transfer where they removed the gracilis muscle (inside of left thigh) and transferred it into his right shoulder and bicep.

The aim of these operations is to provide Sam with the key movements of Bicep flexion and Triceps extension.

It is estimated to take up too 6 months to see any progress and if these operations are successful.

It was also only recently picked up, there to be some further spinal cord damage affecting Sam's right leg and balance.

His rehab at present involves regular physio and hand therapy visits, strength and conditioning alongside mindfulness meditation to try and control the ongoing neuropathic pain, which he describes as excruciating and constant.

Despite this setback Sam and Rochelle have remained upbeat and have enjoyed watching their son Rico grow, who is now 9 months

Sam will be required to undergo a number of smaller operations over the next few years each requiring their own rehabilitation and care.