“When I was a young kid, if Dad picked me up, I’d feel that he was my superhero. I didn’t feel like a superhero,” says Dylan, “I knew something was majorly wrong with my back.” Dylan’s physical limitations made him feel much older than his years – and it began affecting both his work and his relationship with his family. "I couldn’t move, couldn’t sleep... I felt the walls closing in on me," he recalls. His wife, Michelle, noticed his growing irritability and, after some prodding, he finally opened up about the pain he had been hiding.
A visit to the doctor revealed that Dylan’s spine had collapsed, and part of it was bone on bone. The diagnosis was dramatic – he needed spinal surgery, which would cost $45,000. Fortunately, Michelle had suggested they get health insurance through Southern Cross, something Dylan had initially resisted. "Now I’m so thankful to her. She was my rock star," Dylan admits. The insurance covered everything from physio to surgery, allowing him to see a specialist quickly and get the necessary treatment. The support he received from Southern Cross was crucial, especially during a difficult recovery period when Michelle was balancing a business, a half-built house, and her own family health issues.
After surgery, Dylan’s outlook began to improve. He was able to recover, and soon enough, he could enjoy life again – especially with his kids. "I’m at a point where I can lift both of my boys now. That was probably one of the coolest parts," Dylan says. He also had the flexibility to schedule his surgery around his life, which meant he could be there for significant family moments, like taking his son to his first day of school. Now, Dylan is back to work, feeling healthier and more engaged with his family. His youngest son, who shares his passion for building, even imitates him by donning gumboots and a high-vis vest.
"Southern Cross is there for Kiwi families like ours... I definitely feel like I have a better quality of life now. To have that – it’s priceless."
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