Page 14 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine - Issue 2

“My inspiration was the dream of seeing Jacob and the rest of the Blowfly Cricket team run out onto the Sydney Cricket Ground.”
Mark was diagnosed with paraplegia following a chiropractic manipulation that went wrong. After three months of rehabilitation and a long hospital stay, Mark returned home.
It was a huge adjustment, and there were many barriers for him to overcome, but Mark was determined to continue enjoying his life, albeit a little differently than before.
He said learning to live his life using a wheelchair presented its challenges, and he was forced to change the way he had done things previously, but it gave him a greater appreciation for life.
“Becoming a paraplegic changed all aspects of my life – activities around the house, income and earning potential, friendships and relationships, and dealing with new health issues such as bladder and bowel problems.
“You need to work out your limitations, and you certainly need assistance from your friends, workers and support network, but you can’t go back, so you learn to only look forward and appreciate what is in front of you.”
Mark’s determination has led him to underwater expeditions, diving with humpback whales in Tonga, and founding Blowfly Cricket.
“I think sometimes the kids warm to me more than if I were on my feet, as it feels like more of a level playing field for them,” Mark said.
“One day during a session I was approached by the father of one of the players who said his son got upset because I was in a wheelchair.
14 Just Better Care