A recap of Waz’s story-for more than twenty long years, Waz’s world was confined to the walls of aged care.
A severe brain injury stripped away his independence confining him to a life of dependency. The nursing home, though a place of care, felt like a prison to Waz. The days blurred into one another, each one a reminder of the life he had lost.
But Waz was not one to give up. Deep within him burned a flicker of hope, a desire to reclaim his life. It was this hope that kept him going, even on the darkest days. He spent hours supported by Ange from Brainlink, determined to lead his best life. Dreams do come true, and it happened after 26 years he moved to his own home.
Ange saw beyond Waz’s limitations; she saw his potential. She encouraged him to set small, achievable goals and celebrated each victory with him. With her support, Waz began to believe in himself again.
After years of hard work, Waz reached a milestone that once seemed impossible: he was ready to live independently. With the help of a dedicated team of support, Waz moved into his own home. To Waz, it is his palace shared with a roommate. For the first time in more than two decades, he has a space that is truly his own.
Living independently is not without its challenges, but I have choices, and my confidence is growing all the time and with 24-hour support, I face each challenge head-on. His care support and of course Ange are not just there to assist him; they are his partners in this new chapter of his life.
Waz says “My outlook on life has changed, I’ve met new people and heard their stories and when I hear what they have gone through I feel so appreciative for what I have. I feel very positive and happy staying here in a home with good people. I’m cheeky-the secret ‘get yourself a great Ange!”
As the months pass, Waz’s self-assurance increases. He loves to venture out into the community, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. He looks forward to Christmas.
Waz’s journey was far from easy, but it was a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. “I had my life taken away from me, I lost my wife and daughter and lived in aged care for 20 odd years, and I’m confined to a wheelchair for life” reminisces Waz.
Waz has transformed from a man confined by his circumstances to one who embraces life with open arms. His story is a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.
The greatest joy, Waz tells us “I did one thing very right and have reconnected with my beautiful daughter Mikayla and she is my focus and living a great life.”
My final call out says Waz, ‘I’d like to spend more time with my daughter enjoying special experiences and making wonderful memories, but in most cases such activities are way out of reach for someone with a severe disability. I know others like me feel the same so my call is to the community to please gift BrainLink this Christmas so they can bring joy to those individuals living with severe brain injury.”
Please consider donating to BrainLink to bring hope and healing to those in need.
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