Hi, I’m Anita , the Aunty to the strongest, loveable, adorable 22 year old ever, Zachary Urbanski....and here's why we need your help....After 344 days in Wollongong Hospital and 259 days at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation, Zach is finally home and we need your help!

The 2nd of June 2024 will forever be tattooed in our minds as the day everything changed. Zach suffered 'catastrophic' brain bleed and was not expected to survive the emergency surgery. With the help of the amazing team at Wollongong hospital, he pulled through and then fought for his life.

Zach endured six brain surgeries, a feeding tube, a tracheostomy to help him breathe, and countless CT and MRI scans. Five months after his brain bleed, in October 2024, we were told he had reached the point where recovery was unlikely and that palliative care should be considered- a quiet bed in Bulli for the rest of his life! It was devastating but we as a family fought for a medical review and an unusual stimulant medical regime was provided.

Four weeks later, Zach began showing physical responses. Six months after that, he began to speak. In May 2025, Zach was transferred to Royal Ryde Rehab after further advocacy, despite other major rehab units declining him due to the severity of his injury.

At Ryde, Zach worked tirelessly with physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and dedicated nursing staff. Today, the progress is incredible. He no longer needs a feeding tube or tracheostomy. He is eating full meals, walking with a forearm frame, talking and cracking jokes, completing the daily Wordle, building intricate Lego creations, and most importantly, enjoying precious time with our dog, Chino.

Over these 18 months, life did not slow down around us. Alongside Zach’s fight, Kelly — Zach’s amazing mum — has undergone breast cancer treatment and multiple reconstruction surgeries, while remaining by his side every step of the way. She has not been able to return to work as she focused fully on Zach’s recovery. Loving and supportive dad Justin has continued working to keep things going, carrying the load for the family.

We are raising funds to help Zach reintegrate back into the community. While NDIS support will assist, there are many additional needs — therapies, equipment, home supports, transport, and rehabilitation resources — that fall outside standard coverage. Every small contribution will make a meaningful difference and help Zach continue building independence and quality of life.

We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support that have never wavered. Thank you for standing with us as this new chapter begins. Every little bit helps — and every share matters.