Graphic Content Warning: The following story contains disturbing images and details.
What began as a quiet afternoon of play turned into a nightmare that no family should ever endure.
On April 10, eight-year-old Grace Brooks, a Grade Two learner from Colin Mann Primary, was happily playing when an unimaginable accident changed her life forever.
While washing her hands in a cement basin, the heavy double basin collapsed onto her tiny frame – crushing her toe.
In her effort to stop the basin, five of her fingers were severed; three on her right hand (index, middle and ring finger) and her middle and ring fingers on her left hand.
Grace was rushed to Netcare Alberton Emergency Room in a state of shock where she underwent seven surgeries as doctors fought desperately to save her hands.
Despite their efforts, within two weeks, four of her fingers had to be partially amputated due to gangrene. Grace still doesn’t know about her fingers she’s lost.
The tragedy struck just days after her mother, Nadine da Silva, had undergone surgery to remove her gallbladder and a back cyst. As a single mother, Nadine had barely begun her recovery when her world was shattered.
Race against time
A very close friend and a neighbour of Grace’s mother, Celestine Hearne explained what happed that night since she was present.
“After they rushed to the hospital, I stayed behind to try and find the severed fingers. At that point there was so much bleeding, we didn’t know how many fingers needed to be found. One was found before they left, which I iced and they took it along with them.
“After searching that area, we decided to try and lift the basin, to see if we could find anything under it, but it was too heavy for myself and the helper to lift.
“Now you can imagine the state we were in. My son came to help and he and the helper managed to lift it. I ran home quickly to get my phone and seconds later I heard my son screaming for me to rush over, as they found another tip of a finger.
“On my way back there, I immediately booked an Uber, I knew we could not waste any time, I had to get to the hospital as soon as possible. I iced the tip and rushed to ER and did the handover,” she said with a painful tone.
They are truly grateful that her dear friend Sabrina happened to be there on that tragic evening, as she managed to take control of the terrifying situation and orchestrate a calm and controlled trip to the emergency department.
Long road to recovery
Unfortunately, Grace was only operated on seventeen hours later, and her recovery will not be simple.
Her surgeon has outlined a minimum of six months of physical healing and up to a year of intensive rehabilitation.
The tasks once taken for granted like holding a spoon, turning a page, or tying her shoes will now become the focus of daily therapy. And yet, the emotional healing may take even longer.
Nadine now faces the emotional and financial weight of caring for a child who cannot dress, feed, or bathe herself while navigating the long road of surgeries, pain management, and rehabilitation.
“It’s been a lot for Nadine, with all this happening, while still in recovery from her own surgery. It’s life-changing for both Grace and Nadine, as Grace’s needs are a priority, implicating Nadine’s ability to work, which ultimately puts a lot of financial strain on Nadine, who is a single parent,” says Celestine.
Thankfully, her father has been able to fly back from London to be with his daughter through this difficult time and has been able to support Nadine tremendously. However, he will need to return at the end of May.
Nadine’s work future may take a backseat because Grace needs her mother more than ever right now, but the financial strain is increasing every day. Medical bills are mounting, rehabilitation sessions, follow-up surgeries, transportation to and from the hospital, and adaptive tools for daily living are just the beginning.
The family is reaching out to the community for support and to bring hope.
Nadine has become Grace’s full-time caregiver while recuperating from her own surgery and now spends her days changing dressings, managing medications, and comforting her daughter through pain.
Little fighter
Grace has already drawn a picture of her doctor, Dr Block, just a week after her accident with just her own two thumbs.
Anrichelle Nortje, a previous school teacher and a netball coach believes that she will grow and thrive. “It has truly been a privilege to teach and coach Grace. She is a kind hearted, determined, and respectful young girl who always gives her best in both the classroom and on the court.
@albertonrecord Graphic Content Warning: The following story contains disturbing images and details. What began as a quiet afternoon of play turned into a nightmare that no family should ever endure. On April 10, eight-year-old Grace Brooks, a Grade Two learner from Colin Mann Primary, was happily playing when an unimaginable accident changed her life forever. While washing her hands in a cement basin, the heavy double basin collapsed onto her tiny frame – crushing her toe. In her effort to stop the basin, five of her fingers were severed; three on her right hand (index, middle and ring finger) and her middle and ring fingers on her left hand. Grace was rushed to Netcare Alberton Emergency Room in a state of shock where she underwent seven surgeries as doctors fought desperately to save her hands. Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“Her positive attitude and willingness to learn make her a pleasure to work with. I do not doubt that she will continue to grow and thrive in every area she puts her mind to. She has left a mark on my heart, and I will always be cheering her on, wherever life takes her next,” she said.
Lifeline needed
Concrete assistance is sorely needed. Every action matters, whether it’s providing food for the family, resources for in-home care, or financial support.
Grace’s tale is a call to action as well as a tragedy. An appeal to support a courageous young girl and her mother as they deal with a life that will never be the same. An appeal to demonstrate that compassion, love, and fortitude can shine through the worst of times.
Those who would like to help with Grace and Nadine’s medical and rehabilitation expenditures can deposit to this account:
Bank name: CAPITEC
Account name: Mrs N Da Silva
Account number:1724601863
