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Personal Stories

Hear about the experiences of people who have been impacted by brain injury including people with brain injury, family members, and carers.

These personal stories provide an insight into what life with a brain injury can be like. We hope that these stories reassure you that you’re not alone as you as you hear about the challenges and triumphs that others have faced. If you’d like to share your story, we encourage you to get in touch. Your story may well be helpful to someone else living through similar experiences.

Explore stories by sub category:

Les Clarence
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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Fiona
People with Brain Injury

Fiona’s story

Fiona is one of the tenants at the Synapse Cairns Community Living. Before coming to the Synapse Cairns Community Living, Fiona was living in hospital in Townsville.

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Julie Clark
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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David Trahair
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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Cheryl Koenig
Family & Carers

Cheryl Koenig

Cheryl’s son Jonathon acquired a brain injury after he was hit by a car at the age of 12.

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David FitzGerald
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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Nick Lonie
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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Julian Saavedra
People with Brain Injury

Julian Saavedra

Synapse employee Julian Saavedra’s involvement with Synapse began as a volunteer during his recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury. 

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Lisa Cox
People with Brain Injury

Lisa Cox

In 2005 I was a healthy 24-year-old. I wasn't considered 'high-risk' for a stroke. I was wrong.

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