It was 2018 when a seemingly ordinary day took a devastating turn for David César and Bruna de Sousa as they sat together watching TV.
Out of nowhere, Bruna experienced convulsions triggered by a cardiorespiratory arrest. Reflecting on that fateful moment during an interview, the 28-year-old David shared, “Within a span of three minutes, she lost all signs of life. We rushed her to the hospital, and after 25 minutes, they managed to revive her. But she had endured a prolonged period without oxygen.“
David explained that Bruna suffered from a condition that does not impact the fundamental functions of her nervous system but renders her unable to perceive her surroundings. In simpler terms, his beloved wife was left with permanent consequences, trapped in a vegetative state.
Following her hospitalization, Bruna spent nearly two years under medical care. Since June 2019, David has dedicated his entire time to personally caring for her at their own home. However, due to his unemployment, he faced significant challenges in fulfilling all of his partner’s needs.
Even though Bruna is in a familiar environment, her condition necessitates the assistance of specialists, medications, proper nutrition, and various other essential provisions.
The reality was that David’s income as a driver fell short of covering his wife’s extensive needs. As a result, he found himself compelled to initiate fundraising efforts. While they received support from compassionate individuals, the expenses associated with Bruna’s care continued to rise.
David candidly acknowledged this predicament, stating, “We haven’t been able to secure her retirement benefits yet. However, we are fortunate to have the assistance of two volunteer lawyers who are aiding us. At present, we are reliant on donations to sustain ourselves.”
Fortunately, amidst the challenging journey they had faced, a glimmer of hope emerged. David became aware of treatment available in Canada through the valuable information provided by neurologists. This treatment involved a three-year course of medication combined with physiotherapy, which held the potential to benefit Bruna.
However, the cost of this option amounted to approximately $19,000, necessitating the couple once again to seek financial assistance through donations in their fundraising efforts.
Over five years have elapsed since that life-altering day for Bruna and David. Through his Instagram account, David shares glimpses of the cherished memories he has amassed with his beloved wife. Additionally, he keeps his followers informed about Bruna’s ongoing progress.