Lisa’s personal journey is a story of strength, loss, and rebuilding. For Lisa, what began as a moment that shattered her world became a lifelong lesson in resilience and self-belief. Her story reminds us that recovery isn’t a straight line, but a path shaped by perseverance, support, and the courage to start again.

At just 18, Lisa was full of energy, studying to become a teacher, dating, and enjoying life like most teenagers. But in an instant, everything changed when she was hit by a car, resulting in a fractured skull, brain injury, multiple fractures and internal injuries. She was in a coma for three weeks, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation.

Determined to reclaim her life, she lived by the mantra, “Don’t tell me I can’t.” When doctors advised her to slow down, Lisa pushed herself through rehabilitation and resumed her studies the year after her accident. However, ongoing surgery and the residual effects from her brain injury made it too difficult to continue.

During this period, Lisa’s mother contacted Headway Queensland (now Synapse) for information and support to better understand brain injury. The connection assisted Lisa and her family through an uncertain and emotional journey.

Over the years that followed, her family and loyal friends stuck by her and championed her recovery. However, Lisa often felt frustrated and guilty about being a burden, comparing herself to others who were progressing in life.

“I know my personality changed after my brain injury. I became short-tempered and impatient. It was a tough time for my family and friends, and I am indebted to them for sticking by me.”

When Lisa finally accepted her brain injury, her outlook changed. She realised she wasn’t behind; she was just on a different path.

“I truly believe we are what we think. After the accident, I never doubted I could recover from my injuries. I adopted a growth mindset. When I failed at one thing, I’d try another. I guess you could call it stubborn denial, but it worked for me.”

Three years after the accident, Lisa started her nursing training at the hospital where she had been a patient.

“I knew what it was like being a long-term patient and thought I could help others adjust. I made it halfway through my training, but I couldn’t cope with the physical and emotional demands.”

Lisa then dedicated her energy to finishing the Arts degree she had started before the accident. Before returning to university in 1989, Lisa flew to Winter Park, Colorado, to visit a friend and take part in the disabled skiing program.

“I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of such a program. It was an empowering step in my recovery journey. To witness the exhilaration on the faces of those with disabilities far worse than mine as they sped down the mountainside was truly inspiring and unforgettable.”

Just as life seemed to be falling into place in her late twenties, tragedy struck a second time. Lisa was the victim of a brutal sexual assault, resulting in another brain injury that left her in the hospital for a week. What followed was a re-traumatising legal battle that lasted three years. There were dark moments when Lisa didn’t know if she could keep going. But in her lowest moment, help came from an unexpected source: a rescue Border collie pup from the RSPCA.

“Lottie gave me a reason to get out of bed each morning. Through her unconditional love and steady presence, I was able to reconnect with life and find hope once more. She gave me the strength to channel my mantra “Don’t tell me I can’t”; this time against a legal system that was shutting me out.”

In 1993, Lisa finally finished the degree she had started before the accident and went on to complete Honours, graduating with First Class Honours.

Not yet finished with her studies, Lisa returned to university to pursue a postgraduate research degree. Having faced her own psychological challenges, she conducted a study focusing on the impact of bush identity on attitudes to mental health, and how to enhance service utilisation and provision in rural Australia. In 2005, she earned her PhD and later published two journal articles based on her research.

As Lisa was completing her PhD, Lottie, her soul mate, passed away.

“When Lottie died, a piece of me went with her. She saved my life. To fill the puppy void, I adopted Rosie, a feisty red-and-white Border collie pup. In her own way, she helped me navigate life for the next 14 years, through depression, divorce, and a new beginning in Darwin.”

Today, Lisa is a full-time writer and has just finished a memoir about her recovery journey, with Border Collie number 3, Lily, and her beloved partner, Greg, by her side.

“If I hadn’t had a brain injury, I never would have accomplished what I have. I know I am very lucky to be alive and am extremely grateful to all the people and dogs who helped me get here. It’s been a long journey, but I am now in a place where I want to give back. If someone reads this and feels understood, encouraged, comforted, or freed from guilt, I would have achieved my goal. And if you ever feel lonely, get a dog.”