Young accident victim determined to honour his cousin every step of his recovery
His parents also speak about the impact of the devastating incident on their family.
The phrase ‘lifechanging’ depicts an event so powerful it literally changes one’s life.
If you use the phrase in the context of a horrific car accident in which one young man lost his life and another both his legs, it’s hard to believe the lives changed by this would be anything but scarred, broken and totally shattered for years to come. What positives could possibly come out of something so shocking?
Two cousins in a car on the N12 in the early hours of July 6, last year. Within seconds, their lives changed forever as the car veers off the road, rolls and lands in a stormwater culvert.
Michael Kruger, who would have celebrated his 18th birthday on March 5 and was the son of Paul Kruger and Dimitra Paizes, dies on the scene and the driver, Spiros Paizes (now 24), loses his right leg instantly; his left leg nothing but mangled flesh.
ALSO READ: Driver airlifted, passenger killed in N12 crash near Atlas Road
Spiros, the son of local business owners Mike Paizes and Kirsty Mcvie, met with Benoni City Times last week.
Still getting used to his newly fitted prosthetic legs, Spiros is met with warm greetings from the staff at Kirsty’s restaurant, On Sixth.
He worked here before the accident and as staff and his grandfather, Campbell Mcvie, help him up the steps and to a table, the usual busyness of the morning falls silent as we begin our interview.
It’s a mature and resolute Spiros across the table; a young man who has accepted the ‘forceful redirection’ of his life.
He’d like to help other families who may be struggling and ‘in the dark’ after a loved one becomes disabled through the loss of limbs.
“I’d like to be an example to other families going through the same trauma, and share my story with them. There are many challenges and it’s hard to stay strong but we’re a very close family.
“I never knew what I had inside me before I woke up from a coma after the accident. Looking down, I knew my legs were gone. That was it. What knocked me hard was being told Michael was dead.”
Spiros recalled a determination to get up and deal with his fate from day one.
“From the time I opened my eyes I knew I had to recover. The pain of losing Michael was far, far worse than my injuries. I was given a second chance and knew it was all up to me.”
After nearly a week in a coma and almost three months in hospital and a rehabilitation centre, Spiros is now literally taking life one step at a time.
His journey has crossed paths with many other amputees and these experiences have been an inspiration.
“My message to others in similar situations is you’re just as important and no different to anyone else. You’ve been given a second chance; make it count and don’t take life for granted. Life doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger, is the motto I now live by.”
He has high praise for the paramedics and all the medical staff who oversaw and continue to be involved in his recovery, but the love of his family he said holds the most value.
“This is something that can never be bought. Their love and support is all I need. There are many rumours about the accident but people shouldn’t believe everything they hear.
“I know what happened that night. I would never do anything to put anyone’s life in jeopardy – not Michael’s or anyone else’s.”
He was taking Michael to see friends when the accident happened, the details of which were not discussed as the matter is under investigation.
The cousins hadn’t always been close, but had in recent years formed a solid bond.
“Michael taught me a lot. We had a good relationship based on mutual respect. He was a beautiful soul and I would go through losing my legs twice over again if I could bring him back.
“My greatest responsibility now is to live life for him.”
Spiros’ parents, Mike Paizes and Kirsty McVie, talk about the impact of the events on their family:
“The accident was a sudden and devastating event that has left us reeling. The initial days were a blur of hospital visits, medical procedures and trying to process the severity of Spiros’ experiences and injuries,” his parents said.
“His recovery has been lengthy, with ongoing physical therapy and medical appointments. The emotional impact on our family has been immense, with feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness permeating our daily lives.
“The accident has created significant practical challenges, including changes to our daily routines, financial strain due to medical expenses and the need to adapt our home to Spiros’ needs.
“Our family dynamics have been strained as we all adjust to the reality.
“We have had to learn to rely on each other more than ever, and we’ve also had to learn how to cope with the grief of our nephew, Michael Kruger, and the uncertainty the accident has brought upon us.
“We have had to adapt our homes, to accommodate Spiros’ wheelchair and make significant renovations to ensure his safety.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from friends and family, assisting and navigating us through this difficult journey.
The family thanked the following people for their support:
- Dr Debora Wineberg, Milpark Trauma Unit
- Nurture Rynmed Rehabilitation Hospital
- Acorn Stairlifts
- Keith-Dow Jones
- Dent Carpets
- Sonia of Sonia Smuts Physiotherapy
- TG Kotze of Orthocore East Rand Services
- Össur South Africa
- Laura and Campbell McVie
- All at On Sixth It’s all about Taste and Simply Asia Atlas Mall
- Brick & Coal Ballito management and staff
“We are determined to find a way to move forward and live our lives, despite the challenges we face.
“We hope by sharing our story we can raise awareness about the impact of traumatic accidents and encourage others to find the strength and will to overcome any hardships that might come their way.
“To all the family in heaven we have lost along the way, you will never be forgotten and live within our hearts forever.
“Spiros believes ‘ I am not disabled, I am perfectly able. Do not limit your challenges, but rather challenge your limits.”
ALSO READ: Fatal N12 accident: Family of deceased says victim was humble and compassionate
