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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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
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
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
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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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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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
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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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
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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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 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.
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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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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
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
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
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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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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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
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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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
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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Frederick’s journey
Passionate musician and hospital volunteer, Frederick suffered a brain injury in 2021.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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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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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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
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
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
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
Scott’s journey
When Scott Painter was just 17-year’s-old, life as he knew it was turned upside down. Diagnosed with a brain tumour wrapped around his cerebellum and brainstem, he underwent a craniotomy that led to three cerebellar haemorrhagic strokes.
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People with Brain Injury
Danielle’s journey
After her brain injury, Danielle found freedom and connection in the surf. Her journey is one of resilience, community, and living fully with an invisible injury.
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People with Brain Injury
Jason’s journey
Jason’s journey after brain injury is one of resilience and reinvention. From racing and rugby league to the army, mortgage broking, and community development, he’s lived a full life defined by strength, humour, and the will to keep moving forward.
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People with Brain Injury
Asha’s journey
After sustaining two concussions while competing overseas, 21 year old Asha's life turned upside down. What followed was a long and ongoing journey of recovery, self education and advocacy. Now back on track, Asha is using her experience to raise awareness about concussion and the lasting impact of brain injury.
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