Barreling into the family home, hair rugged and face flushed, body slung with an array of sports and school bags, Artaban de Lacharriere shows all the tell-tale signs of your average 15-year-old boy returning from tennis training, but this life was made possible by nothing short of a miracle.
Because in late November of last year, the last day of school, Artaban’s life was upended when he plunged 15 metres from a cliff on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The fall took place around 3pm between Queenscliff and Freshwater, while Artaban and a couple of his mates were making the popular walk between the beaches. But as they checked out the surf the rocks beneath the teenager gave way.
“I remember going to Freshwater, but I don’t remember coming back,” Artaban told Central News.
Artaban’s family gathering at his bedside at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
What Artaban doesn’t remember is 24 hours filled with six life saving surgeries, the transfusions of 62 units of blood, and final goodbyes from his parents as they prepared for the worst.
For the following five weeks, Artaban lay in an induced coma in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, with two fractures to his spine, four holes in his stomach, and an extremely slim chance of survival.
Antigone Mitterrand, Artaban’s mother, recalled this time being filled with doubt and fear.
She recalled being told by doctors at the hospital: “He’s the most sick child we’ve ever met”.
Artaban celebrating Christmas from his hospital bed.
However, the family found hope in prayer, an abundance of care from nurses and others around them, and the achievement of little milestones.
“I remember when they repaired his fingers,” said Antigone. “I remember thinking ‘If they’re fixing something as small as his fingers they must think he’s going to live!’”
Against all odds, Artaban opened his eyes on Christmas Eve. His family thought it a miracle. The best Christmas present they could have asked for.
A MIRACULOUS RECOVERY
The next eight weeks were filled with dozens of appointments with specialists in imaging, orthopaedics, neurology, and more, as well as ongoing support from the Rehab2Kids team.
Each and every milestone was celebrated, from first words, first sips of water, first time outside, to first steps. It was as if Artaban had been born again.
Dr Sarah Adams, a trauma clinical nurse consultant at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, said: “Our goal was to create a supportive environment that addressed every part of his recovery… the positive outcome for Artaban at our hospital really came down to teamwork.
“From the moment he arrived in the emergency department to his ongoing care, the coordination was seamless, and attention to detail was a top priority.
“Artaban’s family were part of the care team, as much as we all were, with their input and support throughout the journey.”
Eighty days after his accident, Artaban was released from the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Artaban learning to walk again.
LIFE AFTER THE ACCIDENT
Now, 10 months on from the accident, Artaban is embracing his second life. He has returned to school full time and has been given the green light to return to play tennis and surf, as long as he’s sure to wear a helmet.
“He’s back to 80 per cent physically,” said Antigone, “but intellectually he’s better than before, he is much more focused, and he’s nicer.”
After taking offence for a moment, Artaban couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
In a statement posted to his personal website, Artaban said: “I know what you can lose. I don’t want to fight with my siblings anymore, it’s a waste of time.
“I am so grateful. I don’t feel angry about what happened because I’ve been so lucky to have all of those people who saved me. I feel loved. I want to give back.”
In the short time since his accident, Artaban and his family have championed multiple efforts to show their gratitude for those who saved his life.
The family has raised over $20,000 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, with Artaban saying in his call-for-support: “Without them, I would not be here to thank them for their dedicated work.”
Artaban and his family have also formed a partnership with the Australian Red Cross’ LifeBlood, campaigning for the importance of Australians donating blood.
Hannah Rayment, media and PR manager for LifeBlood, said: “Meeting him was kind of surreal.
“You’re looking at a kid who’s 15 years old, who looks just like a normal kid… and knowing that only less than a year ago he was fighting for his life.”
With LifeBlood, Artaban was given the chance to lead his idols, the Sydney Swans, onto the SCG as part of LifeBlood’s ‘Kick a Goal for Life. Give Blood’ campaign.
Friends visit Artaban after he was released from hospital.
AUSTRALIA MADE A DIFFERENCE
Antigone and Alexandre, Artaban’s dad, are french expatriates in Australia, having moved here with their three children 11 years ago and becoming Australian citizens in 2019.
Antigone said she believes Artaban’s survival wouldn’t have been possible anywhere other than Australia.
“I think if we were in France he would have been dead,” she said. “I think if we were in any other country things would not have been the same at all.”
Between the readiness of the lifeguards from Queenscliff, the efficiency of the police officers at the scene, and the skills of Artaban’s two friends gained from their school’s mandatory bronze medallion training.
“The efficiency and discipline of everyone saved him,” said Antigone. “Now we are very happy to pay our taxes.”
With a new lease on life, Artaban and his family live each day with the motto, “grateful for life”.
All images provided by the de Lacchiere family. Main image of Artaban and his parents at the scene of the fall at Queenscliff Beach.
