Participant stories

In About

We are proud to share real NIISQ participant stories. Read more to learn how each of these individuals are working to achieve their goals with NIISQ’s assistance.

If you would like to share your story, please contact us

Dave

Dave, a sparkie from Weipa and NIISQ participant reflects on his life with a traumatic-brain injury including the early days, returning to work and becoming a dad (his best role yet!).

Jason

NIISQ participant Jason had a clear vision for his future post-injury, and his goals included contributing to his community and establishing his farm stay, 'Stones Throw Away'. Here, Jason created a space where people could connect with nature and farm animals.

Jan

Learn about the difference NIISQ has made in the life of our participant, Jan. Thanks to NIISQ-funded home and vehicle modifications, Jan has been empowered to stay living in her home, while also getting out and about in the community after a brachial plexus injury in September 2021.

Mia

At the recent NIISQ/QBIC Roadshow in Cairns, NIISQ participant Mia bravely (and boldly) told her story and shared her experience of life since acquiring a traumatic brain injury a little over a 12 months ago.

Travis

In this video, learn about the difference NIISQ has made in the life of our participant, Travis.

Kadeem

Meet Kadeem (KD)… a family man and animal lover living in regional Queensland after the amputation of his legs. Learn about KD’s life and his advice for others who may be living with a similar experience.

Declan

Meet Declan. A young man living and thriving in regional Queensland with a T4 Spinal Cord Injury. Read Declan’s story and advice.

John

Meet Senior Constable John Kenworthy, a dedicated motorcycle traffic officer with a passion for making Queensland's roads safer.

Matt

Hear Matt's stories about returning to work and his passion for water sports.

JJ

Allow us to introduce you to a wonderful member of our Participant Reference Group (PRG): JJ, a 33-year-old country boy at heart, loving husband to the wonderful Jess and father of two energetic boys, aged 8 and 11.

Ebby

Ebby is a 27-year-old who enjoys living at Palm Beach on the waterfront. In January 2020, Ebby was a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in a motor vehicle accident. As a result, she was faced with her injuries which included a C2 ASIA A spinal cord injury.

Travis

Travis sustained both an above knee and below knee amputation in May 2020 in a motor vehicle accident that nearly claimed his life. After two cardiac arrests and being resuscitated twice, he woke up in the hospital with bilateral leg amputations, on significant pain medications and described the initial experience to feeling as if he had been abducted.

Ben

Ben was injured at work as a track work rider in 2017 when he came off a horse in a collision and sustained a spinal cord injury. Ben's injury resulted in his inability to walk and he began to adapt to life with his manual wheelchair.

Gamini

Before he sustained a spinal cord injury, NIISQ participant Gamini spent busy days in his workshop as a diesel fitter.

Chris M

Chris is a Gomeroi man who sustained a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident in September 2017. NIISQ has helped Chris to get back into life after injury.

Ben

Ben sustained a T4 spinal cord injury in a road bike accident in January 2018. He also sustained additional injuries from the accident including moderate brain trauma, fractured scapula and fractured and broken ribs

Chris

Chris lost his right arm and sustained a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident in August 2016.

Zach

Zach lost his right leg and sustained additional injuries to his left arm in a motorbike accident in February 2018.

Savannah

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

Jason

Jason sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident in August 2017.

Wes

When Wes woke up from a 12-day coma following a serious motorbike accident in 2019, just days after his 60th birthday, he realised his life had changed forever.

Drew

Ask any of Drew’s family and friends what he is like, and they’ll talk about his wonderful smile and fantastic outlook on life.

Lucius…a mother’s story

Ask any parent and they will tell you that caring for a child can often be challenging. For Briearne, being Mum to 3 year-old Lucius presents even more unique challenges because he is living with a traumatic brain injury, sustained from a motor vehicle accident.

Last updated: September 2022