Prayers for Marcelle-from all over the world, friends and family
Marcelle van Vuuren was seriously injured in a car accident that tragically claimed the life of Carla Swart on December 20.
Since then, Marcelle and her healing process has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives across the world.
The facebook page: Prayers for Marcelle has received more than 4 000 likes and messages from loved ones, family, friends, clients and even complete strangers from abroad are streaming in.
When Letaba Herald reported about the tragedy, the fact that Marcelle had lost both her legs due to complications was not mentioned pending confirmation from her parents.
Now, seven weeks later her recovery and healing has touched many people and Letaba Herald received an update in a letter from her parents.
On December 21 her left leg was amputated as the blood supply to it had been cut off too long and they could not save it. The following morning she underwent another operation after doctors found two blood clots in her right leg. The leg had to be amputated as well as the muscle in her calf had gone black. On December 27 doctors operated once again to perform a full amputation above the knees.
“On December 28 we arrived at her bedside and they told us that she is getting ready to have a back operation,” her parents, Dawie and Jacqui van Vuuren write.
“At that stage there were about 12 different drips attached to her and she had a pipe through her nose and ventilator in her throat.”
They were informed that she needed another back operation and the chances of her being a paraplegic were high.
After the operation on January 5 her parents were told the procedure was successful.
“We were all so happy and gave praise to God. There were so many people praying for her,” they write.
Marcelle was moved to rehab at Meulmed Hospital on January 12, recovering slowly but surely. She was doing very well and although she was in terrible pain, she managed to stay positive. Marcelle said she could not be negative as her life had been saved by God and He still had a plan for her.
Carla’s death was a tremendous shock to her and caused her great emotional distress.
Naturally there were days where she felt less positive and there will be more in future. The loss of a friend and her legs has changed her life irrevocably, but her bravery and positive attitude has touched the lives of thousands of people.
One just needs to read the hundreds of messages posted daily to realise this.
“We want to thank each and everyone who is there for Marcelle through her journey to recovery.
Thank you for your caring, prayers and love. We appreciate it so much,” write her parents.
A very special morning was held in support of Marcelle at Twig’s Coffee Shop on February 7. T-shirts and mugs bearing her name were on sale.
A minute of silence was held for Carla. The morning was a great success with roughly 100 people from all walks of life attending and leaving messages of support and encouragement for Marcelle.
Carika Swart started a fundraising project, Rocking for Marcelle, and will host a concert at the Tzaneen Show Grounds on April 18.
Details of the concert will be released on the Prayers for Marcelle facebook page and in the press.
The Van Vuuren family is overwhelmed by the love and support from the community and would like to thank everyone for their love and prayers.
