In 2015 Chanell, an alumna of the NWU, made national headlines when she – at that stage still wheelchair bound after her accident - obtained her honours degree in education.
Life changing moment
In 2014 Chanell was in her prime as a competitive athlete, enjoying applause as an accomplished triathlete, long-distance runner, hockey player, tennis professional and experienced sports coach. As a teacher at Sasolburg High School, she not only helped to shape young minds academically, but also shared her passion for sport as a hands-on coach.
This all changed on 19 December 2014.
On her way back from a 100 km training ride, Chanell was knocked down in Vanderbijlpark by a motorist who skipped a stop street. She was airlifted to a hospital in Alberton, put on life support and remained in a coma for close to 90 days. Neurologists established that she had suffered severe brain damage as a result of the accident.
A fighting spirit
But Chanell is not a quitter. Although in a comatose state, she started breathing on her own a mere 26 days after the accident. Her parents, Pieter and Yvonne Meijer, believe their only daughter’s fighting spirit empowered her to not only survive but thrive after the most challenging physical test of her life.
“Already on the very day of her accident, prayer groups were formed around the world and as a family we were engulfed by the support of the community and the South African sports fraternity,” says Yvonne. While her doctors weren’t optimistic about her chances of recovering, Chanell, against all odds, miraculously opened her eyes one day and tried to speak.
Her new normal
“The accident made me a new person,” says Chanell and explains that at the age of 32 she was like a baby who had to learn how to eat, walk and speak all over again.
She admits that although her road to recovery has been difficult, she sourced strength from her family and the many wonderful people who supported her. The realisation that she had been given a second lease on life and that there was no going back to the “old Chanell”, motivated her to be patient.
The future awaits
And what does the future hold for Chanell? She answers that she is excited about the prospect of studying again, she wants to take on long-distance running and ultimately – one day – register for the Comrades Marathon. Knowing Chanell, these dreams will definitely be realised!
Emotional scenes played out when Chanell obtained her honours degree in education in 2015.
