Recognizing the life-altering trauma Anita has experienced, the community has come together to launch a vital fundraising campaign, aiming to provide essential support for Anita’s lengthy recovery.
Pictured above: Anita with Angie, who started her BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
Anita, known for her warm smile from her time working at The Old Pont reception and actively involved in the local church, now faces a challenging journey of healing, both physically and emotionally.
Merely two days after settling into her new residence, within walking distance of a promising job opportunity, Anita’s life took a tragic turn. On that ill-fated day, she fell victim to a vicious dog attack, sustaining severe injuries on multiple body parts, including arms, legs, breast, shoulder, back, and lower areas. The left leg, torn down to the bone, hovered on the brink of amputation.
“After a routine walk to fetch my medication, I faced a horrifying ordeal at my gate. Initially greeted by Diesel, one of the dogs, the situation escalated when the others joined in, attacking me mercilessly. They tore my clothes, removed my shoes, and left me traumatized. One particularly terrifying dog made eye contact, viciously biting my breast and shoulder. In a desperate attempt to fend him off, I struck his snout, resulting in scars on my arm.”
“Despite the shocking nature of the attack, my landlord discouraged reporting to the authorities. I was overwhelmed, shaking tremendously, and slipping into shock. Thankfully, a member of the public called a private ambulance due to the severity of the damage and helped me escape the brutal scene,” recounts Anita, reflecting on the terrifying sequence of events.
The ambulance swiftly intervened, rushing Anita to Port Shepstone Hospital.
Over a challenging six-week period, Anita underwent two surgeries that successfully averted the looming threat of amputation, saving her left leg. Throughout this time, she demonstrated remarkable courage in facing painful wound scrubbing procedures, numerous theater visits, and considerable discomfort. The dedicated doctors and professors at Albert Luthuli Hospital played a pivotal role in the miraculous preservation of her leg. Despite enduring extreme pain and scarring following the successful integration of donor skin, Anita was given minimal pain medication during her stay.
Pictured above: Anita after surgery
Anita’s path to recovery remains extensive, and she is also grappling with the psychological aftermath of her ordeal, prompting the community to actively seek specialized consultations and treatments to support her ongoing healing journey.
After being discharged on Monday, November 3rd, she sought solace in a holiday home in Port Edward, generously provided by Vispen and Jan from Norway. The supportive community of Port Edward has thus far played a vital role in Anita’s recovery, offering assistance in various forms, from medical care to daily living essentials.
Pictured above: Anita was discharged from Hospital on Nov 3
Anita faces an extended recovery journey, requiring extensive trauma counseling. The community expresses gratitude to global friends and family, forming what Anita calls her “angel army,” for their continuous support in helping her rebuild her life.
To aid Anita, a crowdfunding initiative, led by Angie Hodgson—a trustee of the Help Foundation and a close friend—has been initiated on BackaBuddy. The campaign has already amassed nearly R23,000, contributing to the overall funding goal of R300,000. The Help Foundation, in collaboration with Pastor John Pretorius and Hazel Oosthuis, is diligently managing the funds allocated for Anita’s recovery, ensuring they cater to her essential medical and personal needs.
Angie, reflecting on Anita’s journey, said, “It’s hard to find words that truly describe what Anita is going through. She’s showing immense courage and strength as she tries to rebuild her life after facing unimaginably tough times. We’re incredibly thankful for the angels who have come together to support Anita, and her appreciation for this help runs deep.”
Currently, Anita requires extensive physiotherapy due to a shortened Achilles tendon, compelling her to walk on her toes. This demands frequent travel to the nearest occupational therapist. Despite a successful skin grafting procedure, the donor side of her leg is still healing.
Contributions to Anita’s recovery on BackaBuddy, the sharing of her story, or offering assistance, are greatly appreciated.
Pictured above: (Left to right) Christna van Rensburg (old family friend), Vicky Lund (her parents gave the use of their holiday home in Port Edward, Anita and Angie)
“If it were not for the BackaBuddy campaign, I don’t know what I would have done. How do you say thank you for such incredible kindness. The campaign has helped me get to where I am today: finally out of hospital and on the long road to recovery, as my wounds heal and I learn to walk again. The saddest part is that I am very distrusting of any dogs at this stage of my journey” – says Anita
In pursuit of justice following her ordeal, Anita did file a case against her landlord, but regrettably, it was dismissed by the public prosecutor, leaving her with limited legal recourse.
Support Anita’s recovery on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/Anita-Els
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