People with Brain Injury

Elijah's journey

Elijah was in a skydiving accident at 14-years-old that saw him suffer multiple injuries, including a life-long brain injury.  10 years later, he's determined to achieve his dreams!

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People with Brain Injury

Will's journey

Will’s life took an unexpected turn following a brain injury. Through resilience, Will navigated the complexities of recovery. His story offers insight into the realities of living with a brain injury and the strength found in perseverance.

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People with Brain Injury

Stephanie’s journey

In 2023, Stephanie’s life changed in an instant. A missed diagnosis of a brain aneurysm led to a coma, brain surgery, and a long recovery. With fierce determination and family support, she’s rebuilding her life and celebrating the joy of motherhood.

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People with Brain Injury

Bianca’s journey

In 2018, Bianca’s life changed in an instant. A car crash left her with a traumatic brain injury and a long road to recovery, but with grit, humour, and the help of a growing dog named Chuck, she found a new purpose in study, advocacy, and hope.

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People with Brain Injury

Trevor's journey

After encephalitis erased his memory at 18, Trevor had to start his life over. From basic skills to understanding human connection. His journey was filled with challenges, yet he found purpose in his career and community. Now, he shares his story to inspire others and honour carers who make recovery possible.  

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Family & Carers People with Brain Injury

Paul and Tracey’s journey

Paul’s life changed in an instant when an undiagnosed condition caused a massive brain haemorrhage at work. After intensive recovery and rehabilitation, Paul’s resilience shines as he rebuilds his life one step at a time. Paul and Tracey’s journey is a testament to resilience, humour, and the power of never giving up.

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Ambassadors

Elizabeth’s journey

Elizabeth’s life changed in an instant at just 12 years old which altered her path forever. But instead of letting it define her, she turned her experience into a mission—helping others navigate their own recovery journeys through research, advocacy, and the healing power of yoga.

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People with Brain Injury

Andrew's journey

Discover Andrew's inspiring journey of resilience, from overcoming childhood challenges and homelessness to finding his voice through acting, music, and content creation.

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People with Brain Injury

Andy's journey

At 44 years old, Andy was a fit marketing executive when his life took an unexpected turn. A series of seizures revealed a rare brain abscess, caused by an undiagnosed hole in his heart. Andy focused on his recovery, not just for himself but for his partner Kelly, who stood by his side. “I promised her I’d do everything I could for myself and for her."

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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People with Brain Injury

Frederick’s journey

Passionate musician and hospital volunteer, Frederick suffered a brain injury in 2021.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Advocacy 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.

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Advocacy 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.

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Advocacy 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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. 

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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. 

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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.  

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People with Brain Injury

Anne-Maree Hart

Campbelltown woman Anne-Maree Hart sustained a head injury because of a serious domestic violence incident. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Family & 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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Family & Carers

Les Clarence

In 2011, Les Clarence’ fit and healthy 55-year-old wife Franziska suffered a stroke in her sleep.

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People with Brain Injury

Julie Clark

In February 1993, Julie was working as a flight attendant when she began experiencing persistent headaches.

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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. 

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People with Brain Injury

David FitzGerald

When David was 11 years old, he acquired a brain injury through a horse riding accident.

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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.  

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