Light at end of tunnel

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

AGAINST ALL ODDS: Sacha and Dean Viall are looking to the future after surviving a string of tragic events.

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A devoted Mt Albert couple who have faced indescribable pain and bad luck are pushing forward, with rays of sunshine on the horizon.

Dean and Sacha Viall were featured in the Central Leader last year after the kindness of a stranger, taxi driver Tony Fallahi, touched their hearts.

Their story spurred a huge community response from people wishing to help.

In 2008, Sacha contracted an infection from a common coldsore virus, which led to a rare brain inflammation and left her in a coma.

Emergency brain surgery relieved the swelling but she became wheelchair-bound, with husband Dean giving up his job to be a fulltime caregiver.

The couple faced difficulties securing financial assistance and Dean was declared bankrupt. When Dean’s car broke down, Mr Fallahi stepped in to help with repairs.

Now, a year-and-a-half on from having their lives turned upside down, things are looking up.

Over the Christmas period, Sacha had cranioplasty surgery to replace part of her skull, which was removed in an earlier operation.

Doctors placed a titanium plate over the hole and Sacha says she now feels more confident.

"It makes me feel a lot better knowing my brain’s not hanging out," jokes Sacha.

Before the operation, she had to wear a type of helmet to retain body heat.

Sacha has epilepsy and suffered a stroke after the operation, which affected the left side of her body. Her shoulder was also injured during an x-ray. But against the odds of Sacha’s prognosis, she has been able to walk and take tentative steps.

"I can go up and down a small flight of stairs," she smiles.

Dean says progress comes down to determination and attitude.

He says he’s kept in touch with Mr Fallahi. "If he’s available he’ll give me a ride. He’s usually the first person I’ll call."

Dean says since a Central Leader and SkyCity fundraiser for the couple last year, his whole attitude towards the community has changed.

"Ever since Tony helped me, there has been positivity from the community. It has made a difference and we feel a lot less alone on this difficult journey. Happiness is important for healing."

Sacha agrees: "My own family have not been very supportive so to have the support of total strangers is amazing."

Sacha’s best friend flew up from Christchurch last year to spend her birthday with her and Dean recently had a much-needed boys’ night out.

There are a number of people and organisations the couple want to thank for getting them through the last 18 months including Sacha’s caregiver Anil, Housing New Zealand, Dean’s parents, The Nikolai Organisation, Procare, Symonds Street Dental Centre and friends Stuart, Maree, Vai, Nathan, Denby, Tate, Darren, David and Jeanie.

- © Fairfax NZ News