Francesco recovering after falling victim to hit and run

The Baramasco family’s lives changed after their ‘superhero’ was involved in a hit and run on October 7 on the corner of Swartkoppies and Ring roads.

Francesco (46), father of the family of four, has been in the Union Hospital since the incident. Their medical bills are piling up due to them being in the probation period of their medical aid.

They applied for medical aid in August and is on a three-month waiting period, which means that their medical aid is not covering any of their medical bills until November 1 when their benefits kick in.

The night of the incident

Francesco was on his way home from Walkerville with his son, André. They drove on Swartkoppies Road on their way to Ring Road.

“When they approached the traffic light, which was green for them at corner of Swartkoppies Road and Phantom Street, a driver in a silver VW Polo came from Alberton High School’s direction (in Phantom Street) and turned right onto Swartkoppies Road, driving over a red traffic light,” said Sanet, Francesco’s wife.

“Francesco thought something was wrong as the driver was driving erratically. “Francesco stopped and got out of his car to show the driver to pull over so that he could see if the driver was alright. Instead of pulling over, the driver continued speeding and knocked Francesco over with his car. He then sped off.”

Francesco’s son also got out of the car and had to think quickly as his father was lying on the side of the road, covered in blood.

He immediately carried his father back to the vehicle and rushed to the Clinton Hospital.

“I received a call from André and that is when my daughter and I got into the car to drive to the hospital. At the hospital I saw that he was covered in a lot of blood. He went into shock from the pain.”

Francesco’s injuries 

Francesco has a broken leg with both fibula and tibia broken. His kneecap burst and the main artery in his leg was severed.

According to Sanet, her husband has been so positive during the ordeal. 

“Most of the time he is smiling and positive.”

The family urges anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact Sanet on 066 456 2950.

Raising funds

“We have started a Crowdfunding initiative to raise funds for the medical accounts from the date of his accident to the end of October when the medical aid will kick in.

“Reaching our target will mean that we can repay the most kind, generous people that have been willing to pay the hospital upfront and also provide funding for future treatment that the medical aid may exclude – the rehab timeline at this stage is one year,” said Sanet.

Francesco is not aware of any financial strain at this stage, as the family needs him to concentrate on healing and getting stronger. 

“I will share the situation with him at the appropriate time. The severity of his injuries could not be attended to at a government hospital. His medical team advised us that they would have amputated his leg immediately and that is why we are now asking for assistance from the community.”

To date, their medical bills for his hospital stay and the bills for bloodwork, specialists and X-rays amount to R340 000.

People who want to donate can click on the link (https://www.backabuddy.co.za/francesco-baramasco) and donate directly through the page or money can be paid into Francesco’s medical account which is BackaBuddy NPC, Nedbank account 1101 255 404, branch code 108309, and use LGWKF00001 as your reference.

Thank you 

Sanet told the RECORD that she will do anything for her husband and that he would do the same for her if in such a situation.

“He is the best husband and father and he is so lovable and friendly and always willing to help. So this is me trying to help my role model in life.”

The family wants to thank the amazing staff from both Union Hospital and Clinton Hospital. 

“Thank you Ryno and Casper from National Paramedical Services for transporting Francesco from the Clinton Hospital to Union Hospital.

“And also thank you to our son for literally saving his father’s life with his quick reaction. I also want to say thank you to all our family and friends for their support through this time.

“Last but not least, thank you to everyone who has donated money so far.”