People with Brain Injury
Simon's Journey
In 2022, Simon had a life changing accident while working on a mine site. During his recovery, he discovered encouragement and hope through a new circle of friends.
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People with Brain Injury
Faith's Journey
When Faith was just 13 years old, she fell from a cliff while hiking in the Grampians on school camp. Along with physical injuries Faith had sustained a traumatic brain injury. Now 21, Faith is studying a Bachelor of Social Work and is passionate about connecting and sharing her journey living with a brain injury.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Asha's Journey
Asha was 18 years old when she had an accident at work that resulted in a brain stem injury and concussion. It came with the expected challenges but now as a 30-year-old mum of two she has graduated university and is thriving.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Tessa’s Journey
When Tessa was just 11 years old, she and her brother Harry crossed a country road and were both struck by a car going 100 kilometers per hour. While Tessa managed to survive, her brother sadly did not make it.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Lisa's Journey
In 2018 Lisa suffered a stroke, caused by a blood clot that passed through her basilar artery – this particular artery had a kink in it, something Lisa had been born with.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Sarah's Journey
Sarah was just driving home, one week after she had just gotten engaged to her now husband, when she had a near fatal car crash.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Lance's Journey
Lance Clayton was your typical Aussie father of three and owner of a small business – Mello, a design and animation studio – until in early 2023 at the age of 35 he had a stroke.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Oliver’s journey
26-year-old Oliver had just moved to Canberra and was starting his graduate program when he was assaulted on a night out with friends.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Frederick’s journey
Passionate musician and hospital volunteer, Frederick suffered a brain injury in 2021.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Dane's Journey
Canberran and father-of-one, Dane McCormack contracted a bacterial infection- encephalitis while in hospital causing him to develop a brain injury.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Tanya's journey
Tanya Spencer is a loving grandmother who struggled to connect with the person she previously was after having multiple strokes in 2021 at 58-years-old.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Tom's Journey
Tom Spratt was driving to Newcastle to attend university when he fell asleep at the wheel and was hit by a passing motorist. Tom woke in hospital to find he had sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Gregg’s journey
Father-of-two Gregg Oughton was a fit and healthy 51-year-old when he suffered a stroke during his usual CrossFit session at the gym.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Myra's Journey
Myra is a proud Gurindji and Wakka Wakka woman, an International Leadership Expert and Business Coach, and a best-selling author who’s been living with a brain injury for the past 7 years.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Sean's journey
42-year-old Sean Gardner was an aluminium Welder and competitive waterski racer before an accident in New Zealand changed the course of his life.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Jalen Oakley
Jalen was a keen AFL player working in traffic control when he attended a family event, then woke up three weeks later in hospital.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Angela Kalantzis
10 years ago, Angela’s life as a mum and Beauty Therapist changed forever doing what most Australian families do every weekend, emptying the camper trailer.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
David Paton
In 2001, Dave was an eager student keen to study IT at university when one day on his way to school he pulled out in front of a car. Dave, unfortunately, suffered a brain injury and spent seven months recovering in hospital.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Patty Hoodless
In 2015, Patty was working and didn’t feel well. Later that day Patty decided to go to hospital and that was when Patty had a stroke, leaving her with a brain injury at 52.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Roslind Witham
At 18 Ros was driving along a country bitumen road with four of her friends from boarding school and ended up having a car accident. While her friends thankfully walked away unscathed, Ros suffered a brain injury.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Harrison's Journey
After Harrison’s* mother and carer passed away, he was left to navigate a complex estate situation. Synapse advocates worked with Harrison to find the legal support required to reach a positive outcome that has since seen him living in his own home.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Catherine's Journey
After a motor vehicle accident left Catherine* in a wheelchair with a brain injury, her life changed completely and she had to live with her parents. Synapse supported Catherine and her family to gradually transition her to independent living and fuller life.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Matthew's Journey
In 2020, Matthew* suffered multiple strokes which resulted in severe disability. After struggling to get suitable care through the Public Guardian, Matthew's friends and the Synapse Advocacy Team took action. Thanks to the support of his family, friends and the efforts of Matthew’s advocate at Synapse, he now has greater control over decisions regarding his care.
Read more
Family & Carers
Kathy Rees
Kathy Rees and her daughter Belinda “B” Buckler were in a freak car accident in a flooded causeway in 1983 that left B with an Acquired Brain Injury.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Urs Birrer
After a traumatic brain injury left him unable to continue working, Urs Birrer has begun an exciting new phase of his life and recovery, volunteering and inspiring others to do the same.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Jacob Dedman
Cheryl Dedman and her husband desperately wanted a second child but, with Cheryl having lost pituitary function as a result of a brain tumour, it wasn’t to be. Shortly after adopting their son, Jacob, the couple began to notice distinct differences in his behaviour and development.
Read more
Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Cheryl Dedman
Cheryl Dedman knows more about brain injury than most, having experienced it both personally, and as the adoptive parent of a teenager diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Kris Tucker
In 2011 Kris Tucker experienced a brain bleed from an aneurysm, and subsequently a stroke. While the road since then has been challenging, Kris says that even amidst endless unknowns you must hold on to hope.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Danny Trestrail
In 2014, Danny Trestrail suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Challenges notwithstanding, Danny is still happy with the direction his life has taken.
Read more
Family & Carers
Narelle Hawkins
For Narelle Hawkins, the lack of understanding and empathy for brain injury isn’t just frustrating, it’s devastating – leaving her son Todd isolated and in despair.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Anne-Maree Hart
Campbelltown woman Anne-Maree Hart sustained a head injury because of a serious domestic violence incident.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Danette Rowse
Danette Rowse, from Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains, was a 48 year old mum of two when, after sunspot removal, she blacked out at the wheel, colliding with another vehicle and suffering extensive injuries.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Julian Saavedra
In 2010, Julian was in an accident that left him with a brain injury. Support from family and a positive outlook has driven his recovery.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Michael Liang Sen Yan
In 1992, the Australian Government sent three telegrams to Michael Liang Sen Yan’s hometown in China to let his parents know that he had suffered a car accident.
Read moreFamily & Carers People with Brain Injury
Phil and Abbie
Phil and Abbie have been married for 35 years, navigating the highs and lows of family life with a brain injury.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Caitlin Kelly
At just 22 years of age, a blood clot in Caitlin's brain caused her to collapse at home. After intensive rehabilitation, Catilin is taking a positive outlook on recovery.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Caitlin Reid
24-year-old Caitlin Reid, from NSW, says that while a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) brought a succession of challenges, with that also came enormous personal and professional growth.
Read more
Family & Carers
Meredith Lade and Ariana Delawari
Meredith’s daughter Ari was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 17. Meredith shares her experience as a carer, the impact of brain injury on her own life, and how she takes care of her own wellbeing.
Read more
Family & Carers
Leanne Hall
Leanne Hall cares for two complex needs children and has struggled for years to organise support from the NDIS for her son, Ollie. Rachael Kernick of Synapse became part of 'Team Ollie', and has contributed to life-changing funding for the family.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Sarah Rasborsek
Sarah had just crossed the finish line of a triathlon on the Gold Coast when her brain "shut down". It took her over two years to discover what had happened: a virus aggressively inflamed her central nervous system.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Damien Mowle
Damien's story highlights the importance of a solid support network to motivate you through your rehabilitation and recovery.
Read more
Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Kate's story
Kate has experienced two episodes of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE) - an extremely rare and often fatal disease.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Shelby Ouston
In November 2017, Shelby had just finished a two week tour around Australia with her band The Beautiful Monument, when she was admitted into The Austin Hospital in Melbourne with an unknown illness.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Tim Cudmore
As a child in 1998, Tim was in an accident that caused traumatic brain injury. His long journey of recovery and discovery has lead him to focus his energy on others.
Read more
Family & Carers
Les Clarence
In 2011, Les Clarence’ fit and healthy 55-year-old wife Franziska suffered a stroke in her sleep.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Julie Clark
In February 1993, Julie was working as a flight attendant when she began experiencing persistent headaches.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
David Trahair
David Trahair has an acquired brain injury as a result of a fall at home. David and his wife Nicki hold the Beans 4 Brains Fun Run annually.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
David FitzGerald
When David was 11 years old, he acquired a brain injury through a horse riding accident.
Read more
People with Brain Injury
Nick Lonie
Nick Lonie is the former Chairman of Headwest. His brain injury occurred after he fell from the back of a moving ute.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Harrison's Journey
After Harrison’s* mother and carer passed away, he was left to navigate a complex estate situation. Synapse advocates worked with Harrison to find the legal support required to reach a positive outcome that has since seen him living in his own home.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Catherine's Journey
After a motor vehicle accident left Catherine* in a wheelchair with a brain injury, her life changed completely and she had to live with her parents. Synapse supported Catherine and her family to gradually transition her to independent living and fuller life.
Read moreAdvocacy Case Studies
Matthew's Journey
In 2020, Matthew* suffered multiple strokes which resulted in severe disability. After struggling to get suitable care through the Public Guardian, Matthew's friends and the Synapse Advocacy Team took action. Thanks to the support of his family, friends and the efforts of Matthew’s advocate at Synapse, he now has greater control over decisions regarding his care.
Read more Family & Carers
Kathy Rees
Kathy Rees and her daughter Belinda “B” Buckler were in a freak car accident in a flooded causeway in 1983 that left B with an Acquired Brain Injury.
Read more Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Cheryl Dedman
Cheryl Dedman knows more about brain injury than most, having experienced it both personally, and as the adoptive parent of a teenager diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Read more Family & Carers
Narelle Hawkins
For Narelle Hawkins, the lack of understanding and empathy for brain injury isn’t just frustrating, it’s devastating – leaving her son Todd isolated and in despair.
Read moreFamily & Carers People with Brain Injury
Phil and Abbie
Phil and Abbie have been married for 35 years, navigating the highs and lows of family life with a brain injury.
Read more Family & Carers
Meredith Lade and Ariana Delawari
Meredith’s daughter Ari was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 17. Meredith shares her experience as a carer, the impact of brain injury on her own life, and how she takes care of her own wellbeing.
Read more Family & Carers
Leanne Hall
Leanne Hall cares for two complex needs children and has struggled for years to organise support from the NDIS for her son, Ollie. Rachael Kernick of Synapse became part of 'Team Ollie', and has contributed to life-changing funding for the family.
Read more Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Kate's story
Kate has experienced two episodes of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE) - an extremely rare and often fatal disease.
Read more Family & Carers
Les Clarence
In 2011, Les Clarence’ fit and healthy 55-year-old wife Franziska suffered a stroke in her sleep.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Simon's Journey
In 2022, Simon had a life changing accident while working on a mine site. During his recovery, he discovered encouragement and hope through a new circle of friends.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Faith's Journey
When Faith was just 13 years old, she fell from a cliff while hiking in the Grampians on school camp. Along with physical injuries Faith had sustained a traumatic brain injury. Now 21, Faith is studying a Bachelor of Social Work and is passionate about connecting and sharing her journey living with a brain injury.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Asha's Journey
Asha was 18 years old when she had an accident at work that resulted in a brain stem injury and concussion. It came with the expected challenges but now as a 30-year-old mum of two she has graduated university and is thriving.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Tessa’s Journey
When Tessa was just 11 years old, she and her brother Harry crossed a country road and were both struck by a car going 100 kilometers per hour. While Tessa managed to survive, her brother sadly did not make it.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Lisa's Journey
In 2018 Lisa suffered a stroke, caused by a blood clot that passed through her basilar artery – this particular artery had a kink in it, something Lisa had been born with.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Sarah's Journey
Sarah was just driving home, one week after she had just gotten engaged to her now husband, when she had a near fatal car crash.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Lance's Journey
Lance Clayton was your typical Aussie father of three and owner of a small business – Mello, a design and animation studio – until in early 2023 at the age of 35 he had a stroke.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Oliver’s journey
26-year-old Oliver had just moved to Canberra and was starting his graduate program when he was assaulted on a night out with friends.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Frederick’s journey
Passionate musician and hospital volunteer, Frederick suffered a brain injury in 2021.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Dane's Journey
Canberran and father-of-one, Dane McCormack contracted a bacterial infection- encephalitis while in hospital causing him to develop a brain injury.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Tanya's journey
Tanya Spencer is a loving grandmother who struggled to connect with the person she previously was after having multiple strokes in 2021 at 58-years-old.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Tom's Journey
Tom Spratt was driving to Newcastle to attend university when he fell asleep at the wheel and was hit by a passing motorist. Tom woke in hospital to find he had sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Gregg’s journey
Father-of-two Gregg Oughton was a fit and healthy 51-year-old when he suffered a stroke during his usual CrossFit session at the gym.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Myra's Journey
Myra is a proud Gurindji and Wakka Wakka woman, an International Leadership Expert and Business Coach, and a best-selling author who’s been living with a brain injury for the past 7 years.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Sean's journey
42-year-old Sean Gardner was an aluminium Welder and competitive waterski racer before an accident in New Zealand changed the course of his life.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Jalen Oakley
Jalen was a keen AFL player working in traffic control when he attended a family event, then woke up three weeks later in hospital.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Angela Kalantzis
10 years ago, Angela’s life as a mum and Beauty Therapist changed forever doing what most Australian families do every weekend, emptying the camper trailer.
Read more People with Brain Injury
David Paton
In 2001, Dave was an eager student keen to study IT at university when one day on his way to school he pulled out in front of a car. Dave, unfortunately, suffered a brain injury and spent seven months recovering in hospital.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Patty Hoodless
In 2015, Patty was working and didn’t feel well. Later that day Patty decided to go to hospital and that was when Patty had a stroke, leaving her with a brain injury at 52.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Roslind Witham
At 18 Ros was driving along a country bitumen road with four of her friends from boarding school and ended up having a car accident. While her friends thankfully walked away unscathed, Ros suffered a brain injury.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Urs Birrer
After a traumatic brain injury left him unable to continue working, Urs Birrer has begun an exciting new phase of his life and recovery, volunteering and inspiring others to do the same.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Jacob Dedman
Cheryl Dedman and her husband desperately wanted a second child but, with Cheryl having lost pituitary function as a result of a brain tumour, it wasn’t to be. Shortly after adopting their son, Jacob, the couple began to notice distinct differences in his behaviour and development.
Read more Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Cheryl Dedman
Cheryl Dedman knows more about brain injury than most, having experienced it both personally, and as the adoptive parent of a teenager diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Read more People with Brain Injury
Kris Tucker
In 2011 Kris Tucker experienced a brain bleed from an aneurysm, and subsequently a stroke. While the road since then has been challenging, Kris says that even amidst endless unknowns you must hold on to hope.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Danny Trestrail
In 2014, Danny Trestrail suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Challenges notwithstanding, Danny is still happy with the direction his life has taken.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Anne-Maree Hart
Campbelltown woman Anne-Maree Hart sustained a head injury because of a serious domestic violence incident.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Danette Rowse
Danette Rowse, from Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains, was a 48 year old mum of two when, after sunspot removal, she blacked out at the wheel, colliding with another vehicle and suffering extensive injuries.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Julian Saavedra
In 2010, Julian was in an accident that left him with a brain injury. Support from family and a positive outlook has driven his recovery.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Michael Liang Sen Yan
In 1992, the Australian Government sent three telegrams to Michael Liang Sen Yan’s hometown in China to let his parents know that he had suffered a car accident.
Read moreFamily & Carers People with Brain Injury
Phil and Abbie
Phil and Abbie have been married for 35 years, navigating the highs and lows of family life with a brain injury.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Caitlin Kelly
At just 22 years of age, a blood clot in Caitlin's brain caused her to collapse at home. After intensive rehabilitation, Catilin is taking a positive outlook on recovery.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Caitlin Reid
24-year-old Caitlin Reid, from NSW, says that while a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) brought a succession of challenges, with that also came enormous personal and professional growth.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Sarah Rasborsek
Sarah had just crossed the finish line of a triathlon on the Gold Coast when her brain "shut down". It took her over two years to discover what had happened: a virus aggressively inflamed her central nervous system.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Damien Mowle
Damien's story highlights the importance of a solid support network to motivate you through your rehabilitation and recovery.
Read more Family & Carers People with Brain Injury
Kate's story
Kate has experienced two episodes of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE) - an extremely rare and often fatal disease.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Shelby Ouston
In November 2017, Shelby had just finished a two week tour around Australia with her band The Beautiful Monument, when she was admitted into The Austin Hospital in Melbourne with an unknown illness.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Tim Cudmore
As a child in 1998, Tim was in an accident that caused traumatic brain injury. His long journey of recovery and discovery has lead him to focus his energy on others.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Julie Clark
In February 1993, Julie was working as a flight attendant when she began experiencing persistent headaches.
Read more People with Brain Injury
David Trahair
David Trahair has an acquired brain injury as a result of a fall at home. David and his wife Nicki hold the Beans 4 Brains Fun Run annually.
Read more People with Brain Injury
David FitzGerald
When David was 11 years old, he acquired a brain injury through a horse riding accident.
Read more People with Brain Injury
Nick Lonie
Nick Lonie is the former Chairman of Headwest. His brain injury occurred after he fell from the back of a moving ute.
Read more