Anne-Marie Rudd was taken aback when her 25-year-old daughter Tegan Roberts, lying in the ICU of a Balinese hospital, asked her if she was facing death on Sunday.
Admitted on Friday after collapsing due to dehydration and feeling unwell during what was meant to be a celebratory trip for her younger sister Maddy’s 18th birthday, Tegan’s condition took a serious turn, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
Living in Nowra on the New South Wales south coast, Anne-Marie recounted the moment when Tegan expressed the urgent need to return home and seek medical help, followed by a sudden silence in their communication.
Tegan, who has cystic fibrosis, a condition familiar with hospital visits and occasional discomfort, felt a stark difference this time.
‘I was shocked by the severity of her illness when I saw her. She repeatedly asked me about the possibility of her demise,’ the concerned mother shared from Bali.
With Anne-Marie, Tegan’s father, younger sister, and stepmother by her side, Tegan’s condition deteriorated rapidly upon her mother’s arrival.
Currently unresponsive and reliant on a respirator, Tegan’s consciousness remains uncertain.
In a bid to access advanced cystic fibrosis treatment, Anne-Marie arranged for Tegan to be airlifted to Perth, where specialists with updated knowledge could attend to her.
The logistics of funding the $130,000 flight home are still being resolved by the travel insurance company, with Anne-Marie facing the daunting prospect of covering the cost herself if necessary.
Excited about her first overseas trip to Bali, organized by her father for Maddy’s milestone birthday, Tegan, who underwent a life-saving double lung transplant four years ago, cherished the gift of a renewed life.
Expressing gratitude for her second chance at life, Tegan credited her new lungs as the ultimate present, acknowledging that without them, she might not have lived to see Christmas 2020.
Anne-Marie tearfully admitted to the uncertainty of Tegan’s end-of-life wishes, a conversation they had avoided despite Tegan’s tumultuous health journey.
Struggling with personal grief following her mother’s recent passing, Anne-Marie reflected on the profound bond between Tegan and her late grandmother, highlighting the emotional turmoil she currently navigates.
As Tegan’s medical journey unfolds in Perth, the family grapples with the possibility of difficult decisions regarding life support, emphasizing the challenging road ahead.
While Tegan’s father and stepmother returned to Sydney, Anne-Marie and Maddy remained in Bali until Tegan’s departure, illustrating their unwavering support and dedication.
Facing financial strain due to her absence from work and previous financial sacrifices for Tegan’s medical needs, Anne-Marie’s friends initiated a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate some of the financial burden.
In the midst of uncertainty, Anne-Marie’s primary focus remains on supporting her daughters, particularly Maddy, who has endured a challenging journey alongside her sister.
Navigating the complexities of their current reality, the family finds solace in unity and unwavering familial bonds during this tumultuous period.