Praying for a miracle: Ex-Hong Kong gymnast Jesher Yau paralysed in US hospital after fall during routine practice
- The 29-year-old former Hong Kong team member fell on his neck while practising a routine in Missouri
- About US$145,432 has been raised so far to help him rehabilitate from his injuries
Former Hong Kong gymnast Jesher Yau Tsz-fung might never walk again after suffering horrific injuries during practice in the United States but remains hopeful of a miracle after receiving a flood of support to help pay for his rehabilitation.
Yau was a member of the Hong Kong gymnastics team and was working as a coach at the Champions Gymnastics Academy in Missouri before his accident last month when he landed on his back of his neck while practising a move he has done numerous times before. According to reports, the 29-year-old Yau fractured his C6-C7 vertebrae, injuring his spinal cord and compressed four of his discs.
He was taken to the Research Medical Centre Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and had anterior discectomy surgery and fusion. According to his Facebook page, he is currently paralysed from the chest down and has limited movement in his upper body.
His Facebook page notes that Yau is a Hong Kong citizen but had no health insurance and that he was looking for funds to help pay for his medical costs at Rehabilitation Hospital of Overland Park in Kansas City.
“We are trying to get Jesher admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Overland Park. However, the facility requires an upfront 50 per cent down payment of his estimated recovery before Jesher is allowed to be admitted.
A fund has been set up to help Yau and his family pay for his rehabilitation and so far he has received 910 donations. As of Saturday, a total of US$148,926 had been raised and organisers of his fund are hopeful they would be able to reach the target of US$400,000 (HK$3.1 million) through his Gofundme.com account, which was created on February 19.
Yau’s Facebook and Gofundme account received lots of support from well-wishers.
“Jesher! I have very fond memories of meeting and walking with you in the Swiss Alps. So much unmistakable energy and enthusiasm! Many more adventures ahead for you young man! Best wishes,” wrote Kym Eley.
According to people who have visited Yau in hospital, the former Hong Kong gymnast is “getting better” but still has no feeling in some parts of his body.
“He is getting better, he still cannot feel anything but has had a few sensations here and there. He could not move his fingers yet. He needs rehab and praying for the best fit. We all want to see him walk again. Thank you for asking, please spread the word pray and support him ... blessings,” wrote Mary Jean Ng McAnulla.
As a competitive gymnast, Yau competed in the Hong Kong Gymnastics Open, twice winning the vault competition and men’s floor exercise in the rookie competition, starting in 2010.
