Ballito teen opens her eyes after devastating crash in Portugal
Community rallies behind the injured couple.
Ballito teenager Hané van der Merwe is awake and is making a miraculous recovery in Portugal.
The 19-year-old former Miss Ballito finalist fought back from the brink of death after her body was crushed in a car accident on October 18 while travelling with her boyfriend, Miguel Nicholson (19).
He was also injured, but less severely.
The two former Curro Salt Rock matriculants were on their gap year in Porto. Both were admitted to Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital, and Miguel was later released.
Hané had suffered serious injuries, including a torn diaphragm, a fractured back, a broken femur, broken ribs and complications from a fat embolism and intestinal ischemia.
She underwent multiple surgeries, including a craniotomy to relieve brain pressure and delicate procedures on her back and leg.
For weeks, Hané remained in a medically induced coma while her family prayed and waited.
On November 9, she finally opened her eyes when Miguel spoke to her. Two days later, she squeezed her family’s hands in response to their voices, bringing joy to everyone.
On November 14, doctors successfully performed critical back fusion surgery and repaired her broken femur. By November 17, her family was overjoyed to see Hané sitting upright, smiling, and waving, no longer needing a ventilator.
Blythedale resident Annelize van Zyl who started a BackaBuddy campaign to help Hané’s parents get to their daughter, said Hané has a long way to go with rehabilitation and they have therefore extended the BackaBuddy campaign to help with unforeseen costs once they return to South Africa and assist with their costs in Portugal.
“There is also a BackaBuddy for Miguel as he does not want to return to South Africa without Hané. The parents and Miguel want to thank everyone locally and abroad from the bottom of their hearts for the love, support and generosity shown to them during this trying time,” said Van Zyl.
Miguel remains at Hané’s side throughout visiting hours.
To support Hané or Miguel, visit backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-han or backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-miguel~2
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