In Port Macquarie, Kurtis James and Kerry Fisher were invited to share their inspiring stories of recovery from brain injury by joining what the Mid North Coast Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (MNCBIR) has labelled their ‘Gallery of Greatness’, which is made up of a series of inspiring client stories, all framed and hung on the main office wall.

The unveiling ceremony for Kurtis and Kerry’s stories was timed to coincide with Brain Injury Awareness week, which aims to transform this often invisible disability into one that is better understood.

Here is Kurtis’s story.

“In 2009 I was involved in a car accident in which I sustained a complete fracture of my left femur, abdominal impalement resulting in three fractured ribs, fractured lumbar vertebra L1-5, T7 wedge fracture on the thoracic vertebra and a traumatic brain injury that caused a three week coma followed by a 47 day Post Traumatic Amnesia.

It has been a slow progression to recovery and to be able to continue on with life.

Along the way I have had to face many challenges. I have struggled with social interaction, inclusion in sporting teams and isolation with family. My determination to change the things I can and by removing all negativities from my life has helped me overcome these challenges.

This quote got me through rehab – “To those with determination, there are no limits”

Since my injury I have completed at TAFE Certificates III and IV in Fitness. I am currently completing Certificate III in Individual Support (Disabilities).

I was able to return back to driving and also playing rugby league but have recently decided to retire from league.

I have moved out of home and live independently. I am managing a budget and can pay my own rent, bills and groceries. I returned back to work doing various part-time and full-time jobs and have bought my own car.

My next work goal is to work with people with disabilities to help them to have more inclusive and fulfilling lives.

I am happily engaged and we are getting married on 4th March 2017, so we are busy planning our wedding.

Having my own independence is very important for me to continue through life.”

Related:

Kerry’s story – read Kerry Fishers story about her road to recovery from brain injury.

For information on support services for people living with brain injury in the Port Macquarie region, phone (02) 6584 3300.