Liezl talks to Hannes Van Den Berg, a survivor of a tick bite, who contracted tick bite fever in the aftermath of being targeted by the creature.

Hannes describes the effects of the fever, as well as what he has learned through the experience, and how it has changed his life since then.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The attack happened during the COVID pandemic, and so naturally, the focus of all health officials was turned towards combatting the virus. This meant that other forms of health care were unconsciously sidelined, meaning the danger to Hannes was even greater.
• The results of the tick bite meant that Hannes' legs were amputated below the knee, as well as the distal phalanges of his fingers. Living with prosthetics ever since has been the ultimate challenge.
• Occupational therapy has since been doing all it can to teach Hannes to live with his new condition. It requires an entirely new way of living, retraining in every aspect of life - even the simplest of tasks such as walking and writing are all new.
• The first six months after the drastic change in life is the most important. It's about figuring out how you contribute to society in your new condition.

BEST MOMENTS

'I was getting seizures. I was passing out'

'There are so many things to be thankful for'

'I was numb, there was so much to comprehend'

'It's like having to learn to walk again'

EPISODE RESOURCES

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hannes.v.berg.5

VALUABLE RESOURCES 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inthespotlightwithliezl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthespotlightwithliezl
Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/lcolditzvanrooyen/
Instagram personal: https://www.instagram.com/liezl_colditzvanrooyen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-rooyen-liezl/

ABOUT THE PODCAST 

In the Spotlight was born as a platform to share, broadcast and promote the interesting, wonderful and inspiring things that some of the people who crossed Liezl’s path have done. She would love to shine the spotlight on them and share their journeys with you to hopefully inspire you to be the best you, not to give up and to follow your passion or dream.  And in that way, help to make a little difference and share some of the beauty of this world. 

ABOUT THE HOST

Liezl Colditz van Rooyen
Born and raised in South Africa, Liezl followed her dream to see the world at age 23 and twenty years on has now travelled to 50 countries and worked and lived in the UK, Belgium and Saudi Arabia. She is a mum of two boys, a chartered management accountant working in large energy projects, a musician, runner, a world citizen but proudly South African and now a podcaster.The incredible people she has met, the amazing places she has seen and the magic of life she has experienced, inspired her to start this podcast.