Wednesday April 4, 2007

Statement From Curie Suk Family

The Korean teenager who lost her right arm in an horrific bus crash near Tokoroa in February has had the first measurements taken at Waikato Hospital for an artificial limb.

Curie Suk, 19, one of three Korean women who had their arms amputated, was discharged from Waikato Hospital a fortnight ago and is now living with her family in a rented home in Hamilton.

Her father Sang Kee Suk is back in Korea where he is a professor at Seoul National University of Technology.

Yesterday he issued a statement saying Curie, his son Cuhong, 11, and wife Mi Ok Lim had settled in well. The district nurse was visiting Curie every day to change her dressing while the teenager was making regular visits to Waikato Hospital for physiotherapy. She was measured for an artificial limb by technician Tim Saunders yesterday at the same time a 40-year-old man was appearing in Tokoroa District Court.

“The accident was pure hell and a terrible tragedy for us in our life,” said Prof Suk.

“My daughter and others lost their arms but we also lost our happy family life and all the dreams we had before the accident.

“We came to New Zealand to see beautiful scenery and enjoy meeting nice people through the travelling.

“Our family can’t live together now because of the tragic bus accident but we can’t give up all our life therefore I will continue to teach my university students here in Korea and keep my position as a professor.

“I really miss my family now but we will overcome the sadness and I also believe Curie will make it happen with what she wants.”

Curie has accepted a scholarship at Waikato University to study English.

She also hopes to study at Waikato next year but is undecided at what course she is likely to do.

“She has a clear goal thought she wants to help people who have experienced the same sort of sadness and are in a similar situation to her,” said Prof Suk.

“Our family wants to say thank you to all who have shown us such warmth especially Waikato and Tokoroa hospitals, Forest Lake Primary School, the Limb Centre at Waikato Hospital, ACC, New Zealand Korea Veteran Asssociation and everyone in the New Zealand Korean community.”

ENDS

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