Fiona's recovery and living costs

Fiona experienced a serious accident in December 2015, resulting in a severe brain injury. Not expected to survive, Fiona's innate determination got her through two operations on her brain, pneumonia, blood clots and a broken collarbone. She learned to swallow, to talk and to walk again, and after over 4 months in hospital, Fiona returned home to her 11 and 13 year old daughters, Olivia and Estella. However, the ongoing impact of her injuries and loss of any financial  security meant Fiona had to make the difficult decision to return to New Zealand to stay with her family to continue her rehabilitation while her daughters remained with their father in Australia.

Fiona returned to Australia in early February 2018, and is relieved to be able to be a mum to Olivia and Estella again. However, many challenges continue to impede Fiona's recovery and return to work.

After waiting six months for a decision, Fiona has been refused a disability support benefit and continues to rely on financial support from her family. Fiona is working hard to return to employment but this will take time. In the meantime, she has no form of income.

Fiona continues to experience the physical and emotional impact of the brain injury and its consequences, but cannot afford the rehabilitation and therapy required to continue making progress towards her full potential.

As well as the usual costs of living, Fiona needs to ensure her daughters have access to the school-based and extracurricular activities and opportunities that will support their success through high school and beyond.

If you can, please help Fiona to achieve 12 months of financial security so she is able to support herself and her daughters, focus her efforts on overcoming the impact of her injury, and take the necessary steps to return to work and achieve financial independence.