Jason Kilian, the adventure motorcyclist who is being treated in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Kimberley after a serious accident, underwent critical neck surgery on Wednesday. (Photo: Facebook/Hero Burn Foundation)
Jason Kilian, the adventure motorcyclist who is being treated in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Kimberley after a serious accident, underwent critical neck surgery on Wednesday.
Maroela Media previously reported that Kilian was doing The Epic Ride, an endurance ride of 4,800 km in aid of the Hero Burn Foundation, when the accident occurred near Carnarvon.
Annerie du Plooy, founder of the Hero Burn Foundation and a close friend of Kilian, says MRI scans on Tuesday confirmed that Kilian suffered fractures to his C6 and C7 neck vertebrae. Fortunately, his spinal cord is intact, but an urgent operation was necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
“According to the doctors, the operation went well, even though it was technically challenging because the injury is located low in his neck.
“He is currently still under anesthesia while doctors are closely monitoring him. The medical team plans to gradually wake him up in about two days while his condition is closely monitored.”
Du Plooy says a tense waiting period lies ahead for everyone who cares about Kilian.
“The doctors explained that his neck needed to be stabilized and that the fractures needed to be secured to prevent further damage. The fact that his spinal cord is intact gives us great hope. However, we do not yet know how serious the head injury is and the doctors say we must be patient while they further monitor and assess his condition.”
Friend completes journey on Kilian’s behalf
While Kilian was being treated in hospital, his friend Jaco Prinsloo, owner of Motorcycle Tours Africa, decided to complete the last part of The Epic Ride on Kilian’s behalf.
Linda Scholtz, also from the Hero Burn Foundation, says Prinsloo already contacted her on Sunday to ask if he could ride the final stage of the route on Kilian’s behalf.
He leaves Melkbosstrand for Carnarvon on Thursday, where Kilian’s trip was cut short. He will leave on Friday around 11:30 and end up in Stellenbosch at the Hidden Valley wine farm, exactly where Kilian would finish.
“Prinsloo doesn’t only know Kilian through work, but has built up a close friendship with him over the years,” says Scholtz.
She says Kilian’s energy and enthusiasm deeply inspired Prinsloo.
“Prinsloo wants to complete the Epic Ride not only for Kilian’s sake, but also for the cause he rode for: to raise awareness for burn victims and their families who are supported by the Hero Burn Foundation.”
Jaco Prinsloo wants to complete the Epic Ride not only for Kilian’s sake, but also for the cause he rode for. (Photo: Provided)
Prinsloo told Maroela Media that Kilian, without realizing it, has a great influence on his life.
“In my eyes, Jason is a role model. I met him a few years ago, worked with him, and received a lot of guidance from him. His kindness, thoughtfulness and willingness to always help is something I look up to.
Jaco Prinsloo, owner of Motorcycle Tours Africa. (Photo: Provided)
“I can’t fit Jason’s shoes, but I can definitely put on one of his socks and complete the last part of his journey on his behalf,” said Prinsloo.
Several small businesses have already stepped in to help Prinsloo make the ride possible.
“I am extremely grateful to Engelbrecht Jewelers on Melkbosstrand for sponsoring the motorbike for me. Swartberg Biking sponsored the fuel and Seafood Lapa and Ou Skip holiday resort contributed financially so that I could complete this journey.”
He hopes the ride will bring greater exposure to the Hero Burn Foundation.
“I want to finish the Epic Ride not only for Jason, but also for the Hero Burn Foundation. In my opinion, they get hopelessly too little publicity for the incredible work they do. I hope the contribution I make helps more people notice them so they can continue to support burn victims and their families.”
Prinsloo also has a message for his friend.
“Jason, I am thinking of you. We trust that you will make a full recovery. I have seen for myself how strong you are. Good luck with your recovery. We keep the wheels rolling for you.”
‘Man with a heart of gold’
Du Plooy says Kilian’s impact on people’s lives is enormous.
“Jason is not just someone who has done an endurance ride for the Hero Burn Foundation – he has been my best friend for almost a decade. This time is incredibly difficult for all of us. I will fight for Jason with everything in me.”
According to her, Kilian lives for his two sons and his family.
“Jason’s children and his family are everything to him. He lives with them in mind and always puts their needs before his own.”
She describes him as someone who will always step in to support others in difficult times.
“He is a social butterfly and an incredible person with a heart of gold. Where he can help, he will help. He always reaches out to see how he can assist others.”
Prinsloo agreed.
“Jason is someone who inspires people. His energy, his kindness and his willingness to help others is something that many of us look up to. This is why so many people are now coming together to support him and his family.”
Du Plooy says Kilian’s journey and its purpose must live on.
“Jason himself would have wanted the cause he was driving for to continue. Now it is our turn to stand up for him and support him – just as he has always done for others.”