In the quaint town of Beaconsfield, 21-year-old Jondy Ariban was known as the protective friend, always ensuring the safety of his mates. However, a dire twist of fate in February led to a horrific head-on collision that forever changed his life, turning the protector into the protected.
The night was like any other, filled with laughter and plans as Jondy and his friends set off to San Remo around 12:30 a.m. The pleasant atmosphere quickly turned sombre when their car collided with an oncoming vehicle. The impact left Jondy with catastrophic injuries, necessitating an airlift to the Prince Alfred Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
A Life-altering Decision
While battling for his life, the medical team faced a daunting decision—to amputate Jondy’s leg from mid-thigh down to save him from the brink of death. The news was a heavy blow to his mother, Princes, who was informed about the likely paraplegic outcome for her son.
After a 10-day coma, Jondy awoke to the grim reality of his amputated leg. “I couldn’t believe it,” he recalls. The path to acceptance was steep; initially, he was hesitant to even let his friends visit. Yet, as they began to understand his ordeal, acceptance started to overshadow the shock.
The Road to Recovery
Jondy’s medical journey didn’t end there; he underwent over ten surgeries and grappled with a head injury, kidney failure, and significant blood loss, marking his 21st birthday within the sterile walls of the hospital.
Despite the trials, Jondy’s spirit remains unbroken. Eager to return to work as a chef’s hand, he awaits his prosthetic leg, hoping to regain his mobility. In the midst of his recovery, Jondy’s life serves as a symbol of resilience, not only for his five siblings but also for the community.
Family’s Unyielding Support
Jondy’s mother, Princes Ariban, shared a glimpse into their family life and the emotional turmoil following the accident. Being a mother of six, with Jondy as the eldest, Princes has always been the pillar of strength for her family. Originally from the Philippines, Princes migrated to Australia in 2009 to pursue a career in nursing. Over the years, Australia became home, and Princes became a citizen, building a life for her children in Beaconsfield. The challenging journey saw her bringing her two children from a previous relationship to Australia, marrying, and expanding her family here.
The ordeal was an excruciating test of endurance for Princes. Seeing her son in ICU, knowing the extensive injuries he sustained, was a nightmarish reality. She dedicatedly visited Jondy every day for nearly three months, ensuring he felt supported. Her nursing background did little to cushion the emotional blows as she navigated through the toughest challenge she had faced as a mother.
Uncertain Yet Hopeful Future
Princes disclosed the extent of Jondy’s injuries, explaining that his spinal cord injury has left him unable to feel or move his right foot. With a colostomy and intermittent catheter, Jondy’s road to recovery appears long and uncertain. The relentless pain is a daily reminder of the ordeal. Yet, the hope for regaining some normalcy keeps the family forging ahead.
Advocacy for Safer Roads
Jondy’s tale is a stark reminder of the repercussions of a fleeting moment of reckless driving. He has seen numerous posts on social media glorifying dangerous driving and racing, a behaviour he strongly condemns. “They don’t know what it’s like to survive an accident and be in hospital for five or six months alone,” he warns.
After a horrific car crash, Jondy Ariban is now an advocate for road safety ♿️ by George GregorioLegal Insights
Legal experts echo Jondy’s advocacy for safer roads. Madeleine Clark, a Road Injury Lawyer at Slater and Gordon, emphasises the importance of understanding legal rights post-accident. She discusses how the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Scheme in Victoria provides no-fault benefits to every registered road user, ensuring a safety net in case of permanent injuries.
Clark highlights that many young people are unaware that their annual car registration insures them against accidents and advises seeking independent advice to navigate the TAC scheme effectively. She also notes that reckless behaviour on the road endangers lives and could potentially reduce entitlements in road injury claims.
Jondy’s ordeal underscores the crucial message of responsible driving and the importance of being informed about one’s legal rights. He hopes his story will resonate with young individuals, urging them to prioritise safety and cherish the unbroken bond of community and friendship.
