Promising Rugby Player Seamus Stack Fights Back from Serious Illness

A promising rugby league player, Seamus Stack, is beginning his recovery journey after a life-threatening illness. The young athlete was initially admitted to Christchurch Hospital on August 4, 2023, with flu-like symptoms and a severe headache. His father, Wayne Stack, reported that Seamus is now able to walk with the aid of a walking frame, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation.

Following his initial discharge from the hospital, Seamus experienced a rapid decline in health, prompting his family to seek further medical attention. Wayne described the situation as alarming, noting Seamus’s usual resilience. “For him to be complaining that it’s sore, he was certainly in a bad way,” Wayne said. Medical professionals soon recognized that Seamus needed urgent care, and an ambulance was called to Riccarton Clinic.

After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed Seamus with endocarditis, a severe infection that required immediate surgery to insert a mechanical valve into his heart. He remained in a coma until Friday and was later transferred to a cardiac ward. Despite this progress, he continues to face complications, including breathing difficulties caused by fluid in his lungs.

Wayne Stack expressed his gratitude for the medical team’s efforts, stating, “They’re doing an absolutely fantastic job; we couldn’t fault it.” Friends and teammates, including Champ Betham from the Hornby Panthers, have rallied around Seamus during this challenging time, providing emotional support.

On September 6, 2023, the Hornby Panthers organization is hosting a hangi to raise funds for Seamus and another teammate, Eti Collins, whose newborn is also hospitalized. Corey Lawrie, the head coach and event organizer, noted the overwhelming community support, saying, “It’s been quite humbling to see the support.”

The community is responding positively, with food orders for the hangi opening on Tuesday. Lawrie hopes to reach 200 orders, underscoring the collective effort to assist the athletes and their families during this difficult period.

Once discharged from the hospital, Seamus will undergo a six-week treatment plan involving intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection. His father anticipates that Seamus may need to take blood thinners indefinitely, which could significantly impact his future in contact sports and his aspirations of joining the police force, a path his father once took.

Despite the challenges ahead, Wayne remains optimistic about his son’s future. “He can still have a very active life,” he stated, highlighting Seamus’s athletic background, including his recent training for the Crater Rim ultramarathon.

Throughout this ordeal, Seamus has maintained a brave front, although Wayne acknowledges that there may be moments of doubt. “He’s fairly stoic; he doesn’t say a lot. But I’m sure there’ll be times when he’s feeling pretty down,” he reflected.

As Seamus continues to recover, his determination and the support of his family, friends, and community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey back to health.