After a freak accident leaves the father paralyzed from the chest down months before his ideal wedding, the family’s world is turned upside down.
Friends, coworkers, and family have rallied around a paralyzed Perth father.
Michael Roberts is paralyzed from the chest down following a bizarre kite surfing accident.
Just three months after he wed his girlfriend, his family’s lives flipped upside down.
Naomi, his wife, disclosed his traumatic ordeal as his rehabilitation journey began.
A father of five faces an uncertain future after sustaining irreversible paralysis below the chest in a horrific kite surfing accident.
Michael Roberts, a surfer and ocean enthusiast, is “mourning half of his body” after fracturing his spine in a life-altering accident in Perth two weeks ago.
Just three months after marrying the love of his life, the near-tragedy has flipped his life and that of his family upside down.
Friends, coworkers, and strangers have gathered in support of Mr. Roberts and his new wife, Naomi, who has spoken out about the devastating toll the disaster has taken on the couple and their five young children.
She paid tribute to her ‘brave and courageous’ husband as she provided an upbeat update on his recovery while posting a hospital bed selfie.
On Monday, he was moved to Fiona Stanley Hospital to begin his rehabilitation.
Following a recent unexpected accident, Michael Roberts (seen with his wife Naomi and their children) is now a paraplegic.
We could not be happier about it. Being here signifies that Michael will begin individualized rehabilitation and is one step closer to returning home,’ Ms. Roberts wrote on an online fundraiser.
She also thanked his company, Newmount Australia, and hers, Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers, for their unwavering support during this trying time.
She stated on Facebook, “We have been amazed by the love we have received from so many wonderful individuals and our companies, which has allowed us to reflect, grieve, and most importantly, be together during this tough time.”
Mr. Roberts is a talent management consultant with vast expertise in both the public and commercial sectors.
In just two days, almost $30,000 has already been raised.
When Mr. Roberts ultimately leaves the hospital, the proceeds will be used to make the family home accessible for him.
His wife wrote, “Overnight, our entire life and the lives of our children were flipped upside down.”
Three months ago, Naomi Roberts (right) shared a hospital bed selfie with her husband.
“Three months ago, we were the happiest we’ve ever been as newlyweds. Now, we confront an uncertain future.”
‘Unfortunately, Michael sustained a spinal injury that fractured his spine and harmed his spinal cord, leaving him permanently paralyzed below the chest and fusing a substantial portion of his spine.
Every day I am grateful that my husband is still with us and that our five children still have a father to adore and lead them through life.
Ms. Roberts acknowledged the treacherous path ahead of them and clung to a glimmer of hope that her husband would one day walk again.
Ms. Roberts continued, “I know that together we can overcome any obstacle, and Michael will make the most of the hand he has been dealt.”
I couldn’t be more proud to be his wife, as he is so brave and powerful.
Your assistance would mean a great deal to our family. It will help us maintain our family home and make it as accessible as possible for Michael’s independence.
It will also help us investigate any potential future technologies that may one day enable him to walk again.
Michael Roberts’s friends and colleagues have rallied around him (pictured)
“We are so appreciative and humbled by the outpouring of love from so many individuals.
“It brings tears to our eyes to know that there are so many incredible individuals in our lives, and we can’t wait to be able to say ‘thank you’ to everyone one day in person… Thank you so very much.
The family has been flooded with sympathetic comments from well-wishers.
“He is a wonderful and considerate parent and husband, and two of his children have been my children’s greatest friends since kindergarten,” a Facebook friend wrote.
Michael is a paraplegic as a result of a terrible accident; he and his family will have to make substantial adjustments.
Naomi Roberts (pictured) retains a glimmer of optimism that her husband will one day be able to walk again.
On Monday, Michael was transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital to begin intensive rehabilitation.