- A football player is in an artificial coma
- Michael Pisker suffered the injury last weekend
- His family will have to share devastating news when he wakes up
A Melbourne footballer is in an induced coma after sustaining serious injuries during a match last weekend.
Michael Pisker’s head collided with an opponent’s legs as he ran back with the ball during the match between St Kevin’s Old Boys Football Club and Melbourne University at the VAFA on Saturday 20 July.
The match was stopped and he was treated by club medical staff before emergency services arrived on the scene.
Footage of the incident was initially shown on the league’s website, but has since been removed due to its shocking nature.
The football community has rallied together to help the 26-year-old, with a GoFundMe page raising $120,000 to help cover Pisker’s medical bills and living expenses during his recovery.
You can make a donation to the fundraising HERE.
Pisker’s mother Alexandra revealed the severity of her son’s injuries, saying he had “two injuries to his head.”
“Michael is 26 years old and is widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers in the league,” the page reads.
St Kevin’s Old Boys defender Michael Pisker is in an induced coma after a collision
‘Michael is a kind and loyal friend to everyone on and off the pitch. His thumping left foot, fierce determination to win the ball and courageous play define him.
‘Michael is currently in an induced coma in the intensive care unit at the Alfred Hospital. The medical team has provided Michael with the most amazing care, compassion, professionalism, expertise and love.’
She added that the Pisker family had to break the terrible news that he would not be able to see out of his right eye when he woke up.
“Michael faces significant challenges with multiple surgeries to reconstruct his head and eye and treat the damage caused by these,” the fundraising page reads.
Unfortunately, it has already been confirmed that Michael will not regain the sight in his right eye.
“We are still assessing the extent of the surgery and rehabilitation required. We expect it to be significant. It is also expected that Michael will need to take a significant amount of time off work as he enters an intensive rehabilitation period.
‘Michael is much loved by his family and friends and has chosen to start this fundraiser to help with the upcoming costs. We are very touched by the outpouring of support and concern for Michael’s situation.’
The SKOBFC chairman thanked club doctor Kim Whelan and senior coach Maddy McCavana for their care of Pisker when he first suffered the injury.
“The medical team did an incredible job until emergency services arrived,” said Patrick Mount.
‘We have a long road to recovery ahead of us and the club and its family are sincerely grateful for the expressions of support from VAFA Head Office, the referees, University Blues, other VAFA clubs and the wider SKOBFC community.
“Michael is one of the most popular, talented and courageous players at the club and we are fully committed to helping him through his recovery and rehabilitation. Our thoughts are with Michael, his mother Alexandra, his sister Maria and girlfriend Sasha at this time.
“We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”