Brave Tracy adapts
Tracy is currently consulting with her attorney and is not wanting to say too much about the details of the accident.
Tracy Lee Hall (47) of Uvongo recently lost her left arm in a motorbike accident, ironically on Women’s Day, August 9.
Her friends are now rallying to help raise funds for her by organising various fundraising events.
The first fundraiser will be a ‘Supa Girl Golf Day’ held at Margate Country Club on October 23 with a shotgun start at 11am.
The competition is a fourball alliance, and one can book by contacting the Margate Pro Shop on 039 3172340.
Two more events have been organised. One is at Douglas Mitchell on October 2. Contact Sanet on 078 682 6014. The other event will be a Tracy Whatt Benefit Concert at Rocky Ridge on October 30. Contact Chantal on 072 0998 506.
The money raised will assist Tracy, who works as a laser therapist, to purchase a prosthetic arm as well as to pay escalating medical bills.
Tracy grew up on the South Coast and later moved to Johannesburg where she has been living for most of her adult life.
The bubbly and loving mother of two admittedly says she has had a terrible last six months.
“They say things happen in threes but it must stop now,” she added.
She recently got divorced, moved back to the coast, then her mother died, and now she has had this life-changing accident.
“Despite all this, I am less depressed than I was before the accident.”
On the evening of August 9, Tracy and a friend decided to take a cruise to Southbroom when the accident unfolded.
Tracy is currently consulting with her attorney and is not wanting to say too much about the details of the accident.
Dressed in casual tracksuit pants and jacket she was on the back of the motorbike, her arms wrapped around the driver.
“It was dark and before we knew it, a stationary truck with no hazards or lights on ‘popped up out of the blue’. My friend tried to swerve to miss it.”
But, unfortunately both the driver and the passenger’s left arms hit the side of the truck.
“I went flying and my arm twisted 360 degrees. I rolled and rolled, which caused extreme road rash to my body and face,” said Tracy.
She spent two weeks in Port Shepstone Regional Hospital after doctors had made the decision to amputate her mangled arm.
Her friend has undergone three operations to his arm, and while he sustained a fair amount of damage to his arm, he has use of his fingers.
Tracy then spent a further two weeks recovering at her aunt’s farm in Izotsha.
She is extremely grateful to be alive, but knows it’s going to be a long road to full recovery.
“I’ve only had one major meltdown and that was when I saw the stump. But now I am coping fine,” she said bravely.
Tracy is determined to carry on with life in a positive manner, despite the setbacks.
“A few years ago I had a shoulder operation which forced me to work with one arm, so I feel I will be perfectly able to carry on working.”
However, she is unable to drive and not being mobile and having to rely on others to get around is taking its toll on her business, but an automatic vehicle is on the cards.
She is also suffering from phantom pains – a pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part which is no longer there.
During the interview the excruciating phantom pains came on in waves.
“It feels like someone is sticking a knife into my fingers,” she said.
Tracy has thanked everyone – from the doctors to her friends and family – for their unbelievable support, love and care during this difficult time.
Her advice to anyone facing and/or overcoming life changing incidents is to tackle them head on, and not to be ‘sad or mad’ about the situation.
“Also, don’t battle by yourself, ask for help,” she added.
Anyone who would like to assist can contact Tracy’s friend Wanita Schuurink at 082 6422456.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
