Page 8 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine - Issue 2

Mitch with Just Better Care
Gold Coast Support Professional Steven. Photo by Darren Sharman
Surfing every day, watching pink sunsets and building sandcastles with his son and daughter - it was the life he had always pictured.
In September 2013, a motorcycle accident in Bali changed everything. Mitch doesn’t remember much. His only recollection is his bike being struck from behind and his body hitting the asphalt.
He woke up days later in a Gold Coast hospital before being transferred to Brisbane and being admitted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital spinal unit.
Mitch sustained a c4/c5 incomplete spinal injury – permanent damage resulting in tetraplegia. His spinal cord was not severed, meaning he still has sensation in his legs and limited movement in his upper body. He feels lucky to still have some movement.
For 18 months, the spinal unit became Mitch’s home. He underwent months of physical therapy and had a few setbacks along the way. He grew close to the nursing and medical staff, and formed new friendships with patients undergoing similar rehabilitation.
Unable to return to Bali, Mitch moved to his family home in Banora Point, south of Tweed Heads, to receive support from his mum while he adjusted to life post-accident.
Alongside his mum, Just Better Care has been supporting Mitch since he was discharged in early 2015. His friends and community also rallied around him, making his return home slightly easier.
“My family and friends were really supportive and helped in any way they could,” Mitch said.
“But I wanted to take on activities that didn’t involve therapy and talking about the accident.
“One day, a friend asked me if I wanted to give his drone a go. I thought that because of my hand injuries I wouldn’t be able to do it, but he encouraged me to at least try.
“I was always into photography before my accident. I loved travel photography; I always carried
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