Against all odds: Jordan's journey back to school

GEORGE NEWS - The family of the 10-year-old Jordan Teixeira, a Grade Five learner of Outeniqua Primary School, are deeply grateful for her remarkable recovery following a severely traumatic injury sustained in an accident on 29 October.

Just over three months ago, Jordan's life was hanging in the balance. Against all expectations, however, she has returned to school full-time and is once again coping with her academics and sport.

The accident occurred at Yamaha George, the family business. Jordan and a staff member were riding a quad bike outside around the premises when they lost control and collided with the gate of a neighbouring property.

"I heard a crash and ran outside," recalled her father, Wayne. "Jordan was bent over the front of the quad bike and completely unresponsive.

At that moment, I didn't even think about serious neck injuries. I picked her up and shouted for help.

Another staff member came to assist and we drove her straight to the ER at Mediclinic."

The staff member involved in the accident was also injured and received medical treatment at the George Hospital.

"We lived hour by hour," said Wayne Teixeira, Jordan's dad.

Hour by hour

From that moment, the family lived hour by hour. "We were told not to hope for much," said Monique, Jordan's mother. "A healthy brain scores 15 points, while brain death is scored at 3. Jordan was on 4 when we arrived at the hospital. The prognosis was extremely poor."

On 12 November, Jordan opened her eyes for the first time, although without any reaction. On 27 November, she spoke her first word - 'blow' - while playing with balloons as part of her occupational therapy.

The medical team nicknamed her '48-hour Jordan'. Every two days she would do something that seemed impossible just two days before.

On 12 November, Jordan opened her eyes for the first time, although without any reaction.

Throughout the journey, the Teixeiras received unwavering support from the Outeniqua Primary community, their church and Mediclinic George's staff.

First outing out of hospital for occupational therapy on 24 November.

While brain injuries can take up to two years to heal, Jordan's progress in the first three months surprised everyone.

The accident left her with visual impairment, requiring her to wear glasses permanently, and a slight personality change. Once somewhat introverted, she now chats easily with everyone.

She also requires some additional time to complete tasks.

Jordan is back playing hockey and netball, and swimming. "Maybe not exactly the same as before, but she is alive, happy, loved - and that is everything. A true testament of God's healing," commented the family.

Going home! Jordan with some of Mediclinic George’s staff members on 9 December.