At the back (from left) are Levi's siblings, Makenzy and Brock Asken. In front are Janine Withey (left), Jamie Asken, Levi's dad and Annette Kendall. Photo / Christine McKay
At the back (from left) are Levi's siblings, Makenzy and Brock Asken. In front are Janine Withey (left), Jamie Asken, Levi's dad and Annette Kendall. Photo / Christine McKay
Jamie Asken brushed away the tears as he spoke of the hard road to recovery his son Levi is travelling following a horrific car accident in Dannevirke on June 4.
"On June 4 Levi went joyriding, but when the car he was in crashed he suffered brain injuries, with symptoms the same as those of a shaken baby," Jamie explained. "His whole brain was swelling."
Levi, 18, was flown by the rescue helicopter to Palmerston North but not expected to make it through the night.
"He was lucky to even make it to Wellington's intensive care unit from Palmerston North," Jamie said. "Then both lungs collapsed and he had pneumonia and he was fighting for his life again."
Levi spent 21 days in intensive care and he and his family have been through a big struggle, with a long way still to go, Jamie said.
Last Sunday the Dannevirke community came together for a fundraising zumba party, organised by Janine Withey, who along with Annette Kendall and Wellington's Chris Matthews are trustees of an independent recovery fund for Levi.
Annette Kendall (left) and Janine Withey get into the swing at the zumba fundraiser.
"We've all come together to do our bit to help with Levi's recovery and Dannevirke is such a neat place, I'm proud of the wonderful support everyone has shown," Janine said. "I've been blown away by it all."
Jamie said he was humbled by the support for his son who has now been transferred to an acute brain injury centre at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua.
"Levi is really lucky to be there," he said. "He's now walking, talking and eating and has bucked the trend when it comes to surviving brain injuries. Of those who suffer injuries like Levi, 90 per cent die and 10 per cent end up with some sort of disability.
"Levi is never going to be the Levi we knew but it means a lot to know he's got the support of people like you. Hopefully, we can bring him to say thanks one day."
As well as opening their hearts to Levi, the energetic zumba participants opened their wallets, tempted by almost $1000 of goods and services donated for auctions throughout the afternoon, including one with a special sentimental message, a painting by Shannon Phillips, whose son was in the car with Levi on June 4.
Norsewood jeweller Heather Hermansen created a unique, one-off, sterling silver, 9 carat gold and diamond-encrusted pendant, valued at $600, especially for the auction, which left Janine in tears.
ENERGISED: The Zbros, Carl Withey (left) and Nathan Davis, senior sergeant of the Tararua Police, lead a zumba set. DAN17508
"This has been amazing. People are so awesome," she said.
"This pendant was made with love for Levi's recovery."
The pendant sold for $370, while a dozen cupcakes baked especially for children by Liz Parkes, went for $82. Gift vouchers from Just Gifts and Sol and goods and services from New Vision, as well as a load of wood and hand-crafted baby moccasins, were also auctioned. The auctions added to the $200 already raised by Janine's zumba crew before the event began.
