Hi everyone,

My name is Talia, I'm 22 years old, and this is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to write.

I've always been someone who loves being independent, working hard, spending time outdoors and making the most of every opportunity life throws my way. I've never been someone who finds it easy to ask for help, especially financially.

But after everything that's happened over the past 15 months, I've come to realise that sometimes even the most independent people need a helping hand.

On the 17th of July 2025, my life changed in ways I never could have imagined.

While working on a cattle station in Queensland, doing something I genuinely loved, I was involved in a serious workplace accident after being thrown from a horse.

I suffered a broken pelvis, a spinal fracture and multiple bulging discs.

At just 21 years old, my world was suddenly turned upside down.

One moment I was living the country lifestyle I'd always loved, working towards my future and making memories. The next, I was facing a long and uncertain road to recovery.

What I thought would be a temporary setback has turned into something that has changed almost every aspect of my life.

Since the accident, I've been advised that I have permanent impairment.

Unfortunately, this means that returning to the physically demanding station work I once loved may no longer be possible.

One of the hardest things to accept has been losing the certainty I once had about my future.

I've always been a girl with dreams, ambitions and a willingness to work hard for the things I want in life.

Now, at 22, I genuinely don't know what my future career might look like, or whether my health will allow me to return to regular employment.

That's a frightening thing to admit.

Over the past 15 months, I've had to adjust to a life I never planned for, while watching other people my age continue building their careers, travelling, working and enjoying their independence.

I am genuinely happy for them, but sometimes it's difficult not to wonder where I would be today if my accident had never happened.

And just when I thought I was beginning to find my feet again, my health threw another challenge my way.

In July 2026, I underwent surgery to remove a growth from my head.

Then, in October 2026, further medical investigations revealed bilateral papilloedema, which is swelling of the optic discs in both eyes, along with narrowing of veins that help drain blood from my brain.

My doctors are now investigating whether I have idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition involving increased pressure around the brain.

The next step is a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. However, this has not yet been booked, as my medical team is assessing the safest way to perform the procedure, potentially with medical imaging guidance.

Depending on the results, I may need to undergo another surgery.

At the moment, I'm living with a lot of unanswered questions.

Questions about my health, my recovery, my ability to work and what the next few years of my life might look like.

The past 15 months have been an absolute whirlwind, physically, emotionally and financially.

Unfortunately, my WorkCover claim has now closed, despite my ongoing medical challenges and the lasting effects of my workplace accident.

I'm currently living on very minimal weekly wage. While I'm grateful to have some income, the reality is that it simply isn't enough to comfortably cover everyday living expenses, particularly when I'm also managing ongoing medical appointments and investigations.

Between groceries, fuel, bills, transport to appointments and other essential costs, it feels like I'm constantly trying to stretch money that just isn't there.

It's exhausting having to worry about whether I can afford the basics while also worrying about what my next medical result might reveal.

And perhaps one of the hardest parts is feeling like my life has been put on hold.

Because despite everything, I still want to live my life.

I still want to laugh with my friends, make memories with my family, enjoy the country lifestyle I've always loved and experience the things that make being young so special.

I don't want to look back on my twenties and remember nothing but hospital appointments, medical results and financial stress.

I know my life might look a little different from the one I originally imagined, but I haven't given up hope of building a future that makes me happy.

I still have dreams. I still have ambitions. And I still have so much love for life.

I'm just trying to figure out how to move forward when so much feels uncertain.

Why I'm asking for help

Creating this fundraiser isn't something I've taken lightly.

I've gone back and forth about whether I should even ask, because I know so many people are experiencing financial difficulties of their own.

But right now, a little support could make an enormous difference.

Any donations will go towards:

* Essential everyday living expenses, including groceries, fuel and bills.

* Transport to and from ongoing medical appointments and specialist consultations.

* Medical expenses and treatment-related costs that aren't otherwise covered.

* Providing some financial stability while I navigate my ongoing health investigations and uncertain ability to work.

As part of my ongoing recovery, my physiotherapist has recommended that I attend the gym daily, within my physical limitations, to gradually rebuild the strength, mobility and confidence I've lost since my accident.

Before my injuries, I lived such an active lifestyle, working on stations, riding horses and spending my days doing what I loved. Having that independence taken away from me has been one of the hardest parts of this journey.

While my bones have healed, I continue to live with chronic pain and physical limitations that make even everyday activities challenging. Going to the gym isn't about appearance or fitness goals for me. It's about giving my body the best possible chance to recover, regain strength and hopefully return to some of the activities I once took for granted.

A portion of the funds raised will also go towards a gym membership, allowing me to follow my physiotherapist's recommendations and continue working towards a stronger, healthier and more independent future.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps me take another step towards getting my life back. ❤️

I'm not asking anyone to fund a luxurious lifestyle or take away every challenge I'm facing.

I'm simply asking for a little breathing room while I try to get back on my feet.

If there's one thing the past 15 months have taught me, it's that life can change in an instant.

I've had moments where I've felt completely overwhelmed, moments where I've questioned what my future holds, and moments where I've wished more than anything that I could go back to the life I had before my accident.

But I've also learnt how much strength it takes to keep going when things don't turn out the way you planned.

I don't know exactly what my future looks like right now.

I don't know what my next medical results will bring, whether I'll need further surgery or what career opportunities might be possible for me down the track.

But I do know that I'm not ready to give up on creating a life I love.

If you're in a position to donate, no matter how small, I would be incredibly grateful. And if donating isn't possible, simply sharing my story would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me through a chapter of my life I never expected to experience.

I'm still the same country girl with big dreams.

Those dreams might look a little different now, but I'm holding onto the hope that there are still beautiful things ahead.

With love,

Talia xx