“I became paralysed in 20 minutes, just like that.”
Chris has led a full and exciting life – growing up in Sydney, exploring the world as a young adult, staying healthy, swimming and cycling, and dabbling in various interesting careers that took him all over the globe.
“On February 14th 2021, during the height of COVID, my world started to turn basically upside down.”
IF YOU CAN, PLEASE DONATE TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE CHRIS
Chris was a businessman, he travelled the world for work and was stationed in Manilla when the unthinkable happened. His day started just like any other, but after a couple of hours at his desk, he started to feel an excruciating pain from his neck, down his back. His limbs went stiff and he collapsed in agony, falling to the floor.
“All of a sudden, I felt intense pain in my back and my arm started to stiffen, as well as my legs. It was so painful.”
After an emergency admission to hospital, Chris was examined and was subsequently diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called arteriovenous malformation syndrome (AVM). The arteries and veins in Chris’ back and neck had formed abnormal connections. The excruciating pain Chris experienced was from these arteries and veins bursting and hemorrhaging. This caused Chris to lose all function in his arms and legs.
On that day, Chris’ life underwent a catastrophic change.
Shockingly, Chris is one of 21% of people with a disability who say their disability ‘just came on’. Sudden and lifechanging disability could impact someone you love at any time. Fortunately, Youngcare provides a lifeline for people with complex and permanent physical disabilities in their most desperate moments.
As Chris’ diagnosis occurred during COVID lockdowns, he was forced to stay hospitalised in Manilla for almost two years. He desperately wanted to come home to Australia.
“I’m thinking, ‘wow, what have I done to deserve this? What’s going to happen to me? How can I lead my new life being confined to a wheelchair?’”
Imagine if this happened to you or someone you love. Would you know what to do next?
Chris finally moved home to Australia, straight into hospital rehabilitation in Brisbane. Another Christmas went by, but Chris was determined to start his new life out of hospital. However, with discharge on the horizon, he still had nowhere to live that would cater to his new care requirements.
Thankfully, Chris’ support coordinator came across a vacant Youngcare apartment. As you can imagine Chris was beyond thrilled!
“My support coordinator sent me a short video and straight away I said, ‘where can I sign?’”
DONATE TO GIVE A HOME TO YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Immediately, Chris knew his new apartment would be his forever home. He finally had his own space, with 24-hour support, across the street from his favourite shopping centre and a couple of hours from his family. He particularly loves the unique accessibility features that make his new life as a person with an acquired disability so much easier.
“This place is fantastic. It’s convenient, it’s clean, it’s bright. You know there’s nothing more that I can endeavor for.”
With your help, we opened the doors to Chris’ future. Sadly, they remain closed for thousands more who are still searching for a place to call home.
“Youngcare has done so much for people like us who are disabled, they give us so much confidence to live a life that is acceptable in the community. But they can’t do it on their own, I believe they do need a lot of help from the community through donations, so if you can help, please do.”
