CURTIS Landers has shown some positive signs of improvement less than two weeks since the 15-year-old suffered spinal injuries during a rugby league match in Port Macquarie.
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Curtis was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital on Saturday May 24 after fracturing his C2 and C3 vertebrae.
Forster Tuncurry Hawks junior coaching mentor Warren Blissett said Curtis’s breathing has improved and he is now able to swallow and eat.
“They’ve had some positive signs in the last two or three days,” Mr Blissett said.
“His breathing tubes have been removed and he’s on a ventilation mask. His lungs are improving every day.
“He can now swallow and eat food and he’s even bossing his dad around.”
A post on the Curtis Landers: Road to Recovery Facebook page on June 2 said: “Hi guys. Curt’s making good progress. After the speech therapist helped him to swallow, he’s been eating soft foods, in particular ice cream. Today was a big step to get him out of bed and into a wheelchair. He spent half an hour on the verandah and enjoyed the fresh air. His voice is also getting stronger. Thanks for the support!!!.”
Mr Blissett said the page had been set up by two of Curtis’s friends, Jai Withers and Max Elliot, who post regular updates on his condition.
It is hoped that Curtis will be transferred from intensive care to either The Children’s Hospital at Westmead or Randwick Rehabilitation unit when his condition allows.
Mr Blissett said the Gloucester Magpies and the Forster Tuncurry Hawks have formed a committee which will organise and facilitate upcoming local fundraisers in Gloucester and the Great Lakes throughout this month and next.
The clubs have already managed to raise thousands of dollars for the appeal.
“Our ultimate goal is to get a block of land and build a house for Curtis,” Mr Blissett said.
“We’re hoping someone in the Forster Tuncurry community will come forward and maybe suggest a potential block of land.
“It’s so Curtis has an asset and a home constructed around his needs.”
Mr Blissett said there had also been a large amount of support from other clubs including the Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders and small clubs from Seven Hills and Culburra.
“The support is great. He is such a nice kid, his parents have done a fantastic job with him. We’re all behind him.”
Curtis’s father Ned recently gained some more insight into the situation after meeting Alex McKinnon’s father Scott.
“They discussed support, treatment and the situations their sons are both in,” Mr Blissett said.
“Alex has journeyed down that same road so it was great for Ned.”
Curtis’s plight has even touched 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley who will act as MC at an auction night for Curtis on Thursday July 31 at Club Forster. Parts of the night will also be broadcast live on The Footy Show.
For dates of upcoming fundraisers turn to page 6.
Donations of any kind can be made to: Bank: ANZ, Account Name: Forster Tuncurry Junior Rugby League, Account No: 213700588 and BSB: 012-626.
Alternatively donations or items for the auction can be dropped off to First National Real Estate on 25 Manning St Tuncurry or phone Aaron Temple on 0412 490 159.
