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Brian's Story

7 November 2016

Brian’s story

Brian is a young man who loves living life to the fullest, having people around him and making new friends. If you ask his loved ones, they’ll tell you he has a wicked sense of humour and will never miss a party!

At age 23, like any young man, Brian wanted a life of independence and adventure. When deployed to Iraq as a qualified Marine Technician in the Australian Navy, Brian was excited by the mateship and travel that accompanies navy life.

At the end of his tour, Brian’s naval ship, HMAS Newcastle stopped in Goa, India en route to Australia. While on shore leave, Brian’s life changed in an instant when a cigar laced with drugs caused a series of respiratory and cardiac arrests and ultimately resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Brian’s family received the devastating news that Brian had sustained severe hypoxic brain damage and would require long term, 24-hour care.

For the next 11 years, Brian had no other option than to live in a long term rehabilitation facility, away from family and friends, surrounded by people approaching the end of their lives.

Finally in July 2015, Brian received a Youngcare Home Soon Grant, proudly supported by Suncorp Insurance, and he, along with three other young people, moved into the newly built Youngcare Wooloowin Share House.

One year on, and Brian’s life has changed beyond words. He now shares a bright, modern home filled with laughter, and enjoys activities most of us typically take for granted – going to the footy, seeing live music concerts and taking a punt at the races.

“Brian has come alive again and has thrived. For so many years my brother had all of his decisions made for him – now he’s living his life to the full, making new friends and being a part of everything.” – Brian’s sister, Tash Sharp

Brian has a new lease on life and his cheeky smile that lights up a room is back! Check out the Youngcare website to watch Brian’s story and to donate to our Christmas appeal.

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Pictured: Brian’s cheeky smile that lights up the room.

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Pictured: Brian and his family enjoying the local coffee shop near the Youngcare Share House at Wooloowin.

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