THREE months after surviving a gruesome car crash that fractured her body and left her spirit bruised, 24-year-old Amber-Rose Schmuhl is still fighting for her future. Specialists recently gave the Schmuhl family a glimpse of hope, confirming that Amber would not need to go for further surgeries but would need to do regular checks.

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Amber was on her way to work when tragedy occurred on the Ruth First Highway. A front tyre burst unexpectedly, sending her car over the barrier where it collided head-on with another vehicle.

Amber’s recovery has been anything but smooth sailing. Catherine Schmuhl, Amber’s mother, said they recently visited St Augustine’s Hospital for a vital CT scan of Amber’s knee where they made the decision to not proceed with the operation.

“While her tibial plateau fracture has created a noticeable “step” that might result in chronic arthritis and mobility issues, surgeons warned that the alternative option, re-fracturing the bone and installing plates and screws, carried risks too great to recommend. The specialist said if Amber were his daughter, he would not operate,” said Catherine.

This has shifted a large focus to physiotherapy, to prevent her joints from stiffening permanently.

The family also took her to see a neurosurgeon for her fractured vertebra. Initial X-rays revealed frightening instability, but to their relief, no surgery was recommended.

That relief was not long-lasting.

The decline:

Amber’s situation has deteriorated since August 20. Though she was able to stabilise her temperature after a bad spike, she continues to suffer from burning lips, sore throat, body aches and vomiting. These have made the family fear infection or complications from her earlier stomach surgery. “She’s not improving. We don’t know whether it’s flu or anything else. Only tests and scans will tell,” Catherine said.

In another touching episode, Catherine recalled helping Amber with a shower: “I got her to look at her body in the shower. It brought some emotion to the surface. I reminded her of the journey she has been on in the last three months and how this incredible body of hers has carried her through it all. She is fearfully and wonderfully made.”

While Amber’s wound is on the mend, her improvement has levelled off. Her weight is dangerously low, her energy is low, and her mental state is fragile. The family is awaiting further tests to rule out internal infection.

Supporting the road to recovery:

With her body compromised and her recovery slowed, the strain, both financial and emotional, grows day by day.

“Had these doctors in the private healthcare system seen her three months ago, surgery would have been performed immediately. Now, to go in and re-break bones after all this time carries enormous risk. The risk of surgery far outweighs the benefit. That’s the position we’re in,” said Catherine.

Amber’s future, her ability to walk free from pain, to be free from fear of relapse and to reclaim her life, hangs on regular scans and careful management.

To help the family, South African residents can donate via backabuddy at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/ambers-medical-journey, international donors can do so via https://gofund.me/a4d7ddfc. Alternatively, you can contact Catherine on 071 679 2931.

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