LIFE can change in the blink of an eye, just ask one local family.
The Vanderhorst’s world was turned upside down when Chelsea, 21, was involved in a serious car accident in Coonawarra in March.
It started as any other day for the former Millicent High School student until a high speed crash into the back of a semi-trailer while on her work lunch break.
MedSTAR emergency retrieval services attended the scene from Adelaide after it was determined Chelsea’s injuries were too extensive to transport her to Mount Gambier.
After two and a half hours, she was removed from the wreckage and flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where she was sent to theatre, fighting for her life.
There is a long road ahead for Chelsea who spent 20 days in the Intensive Care Unit and 10 days in a coma.
Chelsea has endured over 40 hours of surgery to try and repair both of her legs, which were shattered as a result of the accident.
She has had around 20 litres of blood transfused through her broken body and for three weeks, she had dialysis every three days due to kidney and liver failure.
Six weeks on from the crash, the 21-year-old remains in hospital and is going through surgery before rehabilitation starts at in two weeks time.
This Saturday, the family will host a fundraiser benefit concert in aid of their beloved Chelsea to help with the cost of ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The event will be held at Limestone Coast Pantry in Mount Gambier with a stellar line-up of local artists including Mystic Blue, Frayed Knot, Nick McIntyre, Dead Singer Band, Christy and Jason Wallace, Sandra Humphries, The Suzanne and Bronte Duo, Tristen Bird and Fiona, Tracie, Mel and Col.
Opening at 6.30pm for a 7pm start, community members are encouraged to support the cause and dress as a rock star for the fancy dress theme.
There will also be a raffle and silent auction with prizes including wine, accommodation, scuba diving and rock climbing, a tattoo voucher and other goods and services donated from businesses across the region.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the pantry, Heidi Vanderhorst on 0439 854 633 or Leonie Lattin on 0407 283 661.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up in support of Chelsea to help get her back on her feet and has raised almost $2000.
