Cara-Joy Update

Former Christchurch woman Cara-Joy Purkis whose vehicle was hit by an eighteen wheel truck in Texas almost a month ago, is out of her coma.

However, Graham Purkis says his 30 year old daughter has a long way to go.

“Medical staff are still assessing the extent of her brain injuries," he says.

Cara-Joy who has been out of NZ for fourteen years had just dropped her boyfriend off at a local airport, didn't see a stop sign and was hit by agiant truck, leaving behind and a mangle of glass and metal.and Cara-Joy in a coma. 

The family should know later today (Tuesday) the costs of getting her back to New Zealand as the hospital is already suggesting she needs to be in a different facility as her condition stabilises.

“The family is still assessing the options to get Cara-Joy home. It’s too early to be more specific however the generosity of those who have donated to both our fundraising web pages has been amazing. It is absolutely key to getting Cara-Joy home to NZ as soon as possible,” says Graham Purkis.

Background from Courtenay Washington, Cara-Joy’s step sister who is also ex-Christchurch, now living in California:

Cara-Joy was hit by an 18-wheeler truck (think Optimus Prime) when she missed a stop-sign at an intersection and got hit with the full force of the truck travelling at speed.  It’s incredible that she did not die there and then. She was in the middle of nowhere in Texas where they did not have a trauma 1 unit which she needed so was airlifted immediately to Lubbock in Texas which was the closest.  She has had several surgeries to repair injuries and remains at University Medical Centre in Texas (UMC). 

Cara-Joy was uninsured so there is no coverage for any of the costs and as you know – healthcare in the USA is crippling if you’re not covered, and sometimes even if you are.  We've also been told that as Cara has been away from New Zealand for the time that she has, she is ineligible for ACC, so there will be significant costs there also, but it's absolutely necessary with the kind of brain injury that she has sustained. 

I’m trying basically everything I can from here to raise as much goodwill as possible to assist the family tackle this enormous challenge. My step-dad’s (Graham Purkis) contact details are available from Ali Jones if you need them; he is at Cara-Joy’s bedside in Texas, which is 5 hours ahead of NZ but a day behind.

I am available too and Ali has my contact details - I’m in California where I teach - we are 3 hours ahead of NZ but a full day behind.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact Ali Jones in Christchurch, NZ 0272473112 or email ali@alijonespr.co.nz                Please donate here:

https://www.gofundme.com/n56s8wzp and https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/getcarahome