Tutungi, a player and co-coach of the South Barwon Football Club, was placed in an induced coma at the Geelong Hospital on Saturday 22 June, following a clash with an opponent during the last few minutes of the game against St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football League.
On Friday the Tutungi and his family received the news that he had been diagnosed as a quadriplegic.
His parents Chris and Carol issued the following statement:
It has been confirmed Casey has suffered severe spinal cord damage at the C4/C5 junction. On Friday the medical staff at the hospital gave us the prognosis no parent of an active, strong, vital 27 year old wants to hear. Casey has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic.
Casey loves football. Ever since he pulled on his first pair of boots for the Lorne Football Club as a junior, he has lived for the game. He is a former Geelong VFL-listed player, and won numerous awards during his career, playing for Lorne, Springvale, Geelong and South Barwon clubs and various representative sides.
There has been an outpouring of love and support for Casey from our local community and the wider Geelong region. We are humbled by the response and this is testament to the respect and admiration Casey has earned. We would like to thank all our family, friends and the many people who we have never even met - for their concern, prayers and well wishes at what is an extremely difficult time for us.
We especially wish to support Casey’s partner Bridget who is expecting our first grandchild in November.
Casey is receiving the very best of care from the experienced and dedicated staff at the Austin Hospital, Spinal Unit. He is in acute care with regular medical monitoring which means visiting hours remain strictly limited.
A website has been established together with a Facebook page to enable the many people interested, obtain current information on Casey's condition and progress. Casey has taken the many messages of support and encouragement as a source of strength. Please keep them coming.
A trust fund has also been established for Casey's future. The fund will assist in providing Casey with the essential equipment he will require. Anyone wishing to donate can visit caseytutungi.com or visit any branch of the Bendigo Bank and donate to the "Casey Tutungi Future Fund".
For more information visit: caseytutungi.com
Last Modified on 09/07/2013 15:39