Brain Injury Awareness Week is held annually to raise awareness of brain injury and its impact on individuals, families and community.
During the week, BrainLink will share stories of the one in 45 Australians living with a brain injury to celebrate their achievements and the commitment given to them by their families and the communities they live in.
This is Grant's story
'On the 6TH of Jan 2020. I had two operations for a brain haemorrhage. I had a pain on the left side of my head for 6 months. The stroke actually happened while I was in hospital recovering from the surgery.
Prior to the stroke I loved swimming, surf lifesaving, designing and building restaurants and offices in Hong Kong, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. I enjoyed running 10km twice a week and 5 km. My run time was 23:32 for 5km.
This brain injury has had a huge impact and I will probably never be able to drive a car again due to issues with my vision. These days due to changes in technology if I had a stroke now, I think I would be able to drive.
I try and enjoy life as much as possible. I like walking and sitting in a coffee shop. I row on Tuesday and Friday 10km. I walk 100km a week around Melbourne. I love swimming. I love spending time with my two kids. Through NDIS I have found fantastic people like my exercise physio and support coordinator (from BrainLink) are fantastic.
Some people through NDIS are absolutely crazy and can take advantage of NDIS. I would say be wary of some providers in NDIS. When you find a good provider stick with them as they can help you on your journey.
I believe that families and friends need more education about the impacts of stroke because sometimes they don’t understand. Stroke is an invisible disability sometimes. People don’t understand that there are different levels of stroke.
My advice for those experiencing similar situations to mine is have a bit of fun and laugh and it’s a good way to get through it. If you think about everything too seriously it can come back and bite you.'
Brain Injury Awareness Week
21 – 27 August 2023
Brain injury is more than you see, think and feel.
This year’s theme explores how although brain injury isn’t always seen, it’s a complex disability that affects how people think and feel as they recover and reintegrate into everyday life.
Find out more about Brain Injury Awareness Week.
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