26 MISSED CALLS… THEN HER WORST FEARS CAME TRUE. – When Kaelyann Retief woke up to 26 missed calls from her mother, who was traveling through Europe with her husband, she immediately knew something was terribly wrong.
‘26 missed calls’: Couple’s trip ends in horror
When Kaelyann Retief woke up to 26 missed calls from her mother who was on a European trip with her husband, she knew something was wrong.
When Kaelyann Retief woke up to 26 missed calls from her mother, who was on a European trip with her stepdad, she knew something bad had happened.
What was meant to be a dream holiday through Italy for Liza, 44 and Andrew Du Toit, 48, ended in tragedy when Andrew suffered a sudden stroke.
The pair, who had just wrapped up their almost three-week trip to Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Milan, decided to go on a day trip to Lake Como, before making their way back home to Australia.
After enjoying lunch and going for a swim, the Gold Coast duo got back in their hire car with Liza behind the wheel, heading to the airport.
“That’s when Andrew suffered a stroke. It was quite horrific for mum as she was driving when it happened,” Liza’s daughter Kaelyann Retief told news.com.au.
“He went into a full spasm, couldn’t talk and was throwing up everywhere. The left side of his body was completely paralysed.”
Liza Du Toit, 44 and Andrew Du Toit, 48, were on holiday in Italy when their trip ended in tragedy.
Kaelyann said her mother pulled over and began screaming for help but due to a language barrier, no one could understand what she was saying.
In the meantime, Andrew lay on the side of the road unconscious for about three minutes before someone eventually called for an ambulance.
“Here I am in Australia thinking I am going to get ready to pick them up from the airport and instead I wake up to 26 missed calls at 4am,” Kaelyann said.
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“I felt so guilty as I was asleep.”
Liza was driving to the airport for their journey back to Australia after spending a day in lake Como, when Andrew suddenly suffered a severe stroke.
Andrew was taken to a hospital in Switzerland, where he remained in ICU for a week before being transferred to the stroke unit.
He underwent multiple MRIs, CAT scans and a cardiac (coronary) angiogram – an invasive X-ray procedure used to detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries supplying blood to your heart.
Andrew was later diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes – a chronic condition where the body cannot use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it, causing sugar to build up in the blood.
Tests also revealed some of Andrew’s arteries were blocked.
Kaeylann said it has been an incredibly difficult and stressful time for the entire family.
“Currently, he is still in hospital – every day is different – one day he is a vegetable and non-verbal, other days he is awake and alert but speaks slowly,” the 24-year-old said.
“He is being treated for blocked arteries and has to have continued scans to determine when he is fit to fly home.
“Once he arrives in Australia, he has to be transported straight back to hospital.”
Kaeylann said while Andrew is receiving excellent care, his condition remains serious, and there is still a long road ahead before he can return home.
“There’s currently no indication of when he will be discharged.”
Kaeylann said her mother, thankfully, and Andrew have travel insurance, which has been incredibly helpful in covering most medical costs.
Kaelyann with her stepfather Andrew.
However, the financial impact has been significant, extending to out-of-pocket expenses such as Liza’s accommodation, meals, transportation, along with life expenses back home including rent and associated bills.
“This and the likelihood that Andrew’s journey home will require specialised medical assistance and support during travel,” Kaelyann said.
“Mum and Andrew run a (cleaning) business together and they don’t have things like annual leave and sick leave – they don’t have that flexibility.”
It’s why Kaelyann went behind her mother’s back to set-up a GoFundMe to help the family with ongoing expenses and bills.
“Mum actually told me not to set up the page and when it started raising money, it was incredibly emotional for all of us,” Kaelyann said.
Andrew remains in hospital in Switzerland.
The 24-year-old said she felt helpless at home and wanted to find a way to financially support her family.
“Obviously we are all going through a hard time and it’s not like we are the only people in the world going through struggles – so every donation we receive, we have been so grateful for.
“Mum and I are best friends, so it’s been really hard not being there for her. No matter how much I tell her it’s all going to be OK, it’s just words. I just want to give her a hug.”
Kaeylann said seeing her stepfather in this condition has also been incredibly difficult as the trio are quite close.
“Anyone who knows my mum and Andrew knows they are hardworking, caring, and generous people who are always willing to help others,” she wrote on the fundraising page.
“Asking for help is not something that comes naturally to either of them, but right now they need the support of their family, friends, and community.
“I created this fundraiser for everyone who has asked how they can help during this incredibly difficult time.”
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So far, $10,655 has been raised with an anonymous donor, donating $4346.
“Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help ease some of the financial pressure and allow my mum to focus on what matters most, supporting Andrew through his recovery and helping him get home safely.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly challenging time.”
