Australian Miss Universe hopeful broke after jet ski accident

A HOLIDAY in paradise has turned into a nightmare that won’t end for an Australian Miss Universe contestant.

A HOLIDAY in paradise has turned into a nightmare that won’t end for an Australian Miss Universe contestant.

Stephanie Kaiser says she has been left practically penniless after a jet ski accident in Thailand two years ago.

The 24-year-old from Geelong, Victoria, was on a jetski when she was struck by another jetski at about 60km/h off the coast of Thailand.

Stephanie Kaiser has set up a fundraiser page to help her with medical costs. Picture: Alison Wynd

She suffered multiple injuries including a broken leg in two places and spinal injuries.

Kaiser, who got through to the semi finals for Miss Universe 2015, told the Geelong Advertiser she was lucky she could still walk.

“I was told I was very lucky not to be paralysed,” she said.

“I spent six weeks in rehabilitation and underwent intense physio twice a day.”

Ms Kaiser says she underwent further rehabilitation — including pool hydrotherapy — and was in a wheelchair for six weeks.

Ms Kaiser suffered multiple injuries including a broken leg in two places and spinal injuries. Picture: GoFundMe

Doctors told Ms Kaiser she was lucky to walk again. Picture: GoFundMe

Ms Kaiser is struggling to keep up with her medical bills. Picture: GoFundMe

In late 2016 she was able to walk again but was on crutches for about six months and the repercussions have been ongoing, the Geelong Advertiser reports.

“It was horrible,” Ms Kaiser said.

“I have limited mobility in my left leg, I cannot flex my foot and I can’t run.”

She claims she has chronic pain and nerve damage through her leg, ankle and back and can’t work more than three days a week.

While she had travel insurance the policy did not provide full cover.

Her medical insurance covered her hospital stay and flight home for surgery but is refusing to cover anything more.

In the meantime, she is being inundated with bills for a daily dose of medication.

Ms Kaiser says she was told she is lucky she can still walk following her injuries from the accident.

It’s getting so hard to keep up with the bills she’s had to sell her car to pay for the costs.

Kaiser, a trainee nurse, model and actor, says she’s had to put her career on hold.

“If I had known they weren’t going to cover ongoing costs I probably would have gone for a different package,” she said.

“You definitely need to read what you’re buying and what it covers”.

Ms Kaiser has started a fundraiser for treatment to have a spinal cord stimulator installed to reduce pain.

She estimates the surgery through the private health system, would cost around $40,000 while the waiting list in the public health system could be up to five years.

“This is the last option I have to help my pain go away and for me to work and live like any other 24-year-old girl,” Ms Kaiser said.

“I don’t want to beg and I hate asking for help but I am at the point where I am not enjoying my life any more and need to do something to change it.”

To donate to Ms Kaiser, visit gofundme.com/stefs-story.

Originally published as Australian Miss Universe hopeful broke after jet ski accident