Savannah

Savannah sustained a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident in July 2016 at the age of 19 years old. 

She started her rehabilitation journey in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU), Princess Alexandra Hospital where she spent three months receiving intensive allied health therapy. Following her discharge home from BIRU, Savannah continued her rehabilitation through a community-based therapy team as well as receiving Rehabilitation Coordination with the Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service (ABIOS) within the Princess Alexandra Hospital. NIISQ were also involved in supporting Savannah throughout this rehabilitation journey – and still are. 

“NIISQ have funded lots of services that have helped. Without NIISQ I would not have had access to the gym, physiotherapy sessions, adjustment to injury psychology and occupational therapy services which helped me return to work,” she said. 

NIISQ funded these services to assist Savannah with her rehabilitation and help her meet her goal of returning to work. NIISQ also funded the Occupational Therapy driving assessment which has assisted her to return to driving, thus helping her become independent again. 

Savannah described her typical day since the accident as “working an eight hour shift in a warehouse packing role. On a non-working day, I will access the gym to continue my physical strengthening, vestibular exercises and attend any therapy appointments.” 

Savannah also likes to catch up with her family and friends and keep active socially. 

“There have been many changes and challenges along the way, but throughout the journey I have learned that people who have experienced a brain injury can achieve great things and make a valuable contribution to the community,” she said. 

Savannah also made strides with her membership in the Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service’s STEPS program which provides her with the opportunity to be actively involved in helping others who have experienced a brain injury. 

Update:

We would like to congratulate Savannah for successfully graduating with her Diploma of Nursing after 18 months of balancing full-time study with her job and other commitments!

She was also awarded with The Margaret Blackwell Award due to her determination and dedication to succeed, even when faced with adversity. Savannah recently commenced her graduate position at Greenslopes Hospital and is looking forward to learning in her role and focusing on her career.

Amazing work Savannah! You can read more about this next part of her journey here.