Help Roisin drive again!
Donation protected
On 10 December 2019, my sister-in-law, Roisin Clark’s life was forever changed, as was her husband Matthew’s and her two young children (4 and 7 at time of injury).
Roisin was enjoying her first surfing lesson at Maroochydore Beach. During the lesson, she felt lower back pain and within an hour she had lost all sensation and movement from her ribs down. There was no freak wave or traumatic fall, but, shockingly, she had incurred a permanent spinal cord injury. A condition, known as Surfer’s Myelopathy, that has left her a paraplegic.
Roisin’s story is a reminder of how quickly life can change without notice, and often beyond comprehension.
Roisin is 36 years old. She is determined, fun-loving and a friend to many. Before her injury, she was working as a graphic designer and studying civil engineering. She was a busy parent, just like many of you reading her story.
To date, Roisin’s journey has included 5 months in a spinal rehabilitation hospital in Brisbane, followed by another 5 months in an accessible apartment, while waiting on the family home to be modified for wheelchair access. Since returning home in October 2020, daily life for Roisin continues to be very challenging, with chronic pain and assistance required to complete many everyday tasks.
She wishes for as normal a life as possible with her family – the simple pleasures that we often take for granted – like dropping our children to school.
So, despite her challenges, Roisin is ready to learn to drive a specially modified car. Driving will mean that Roisin can become more involved in her children’s lives again and regain some much needed independence.
Roisin and Matthew’s current family car is not suitable to be modified. Therefore, they need to purchase a new car which meets her needs, including low to the ground seats, wide opening doors, space for the wheelchair and other mobility devices, and specific electronic features.
Since her injury 16 months ago, Roisin and Matthew’s family, friends, and community have expressed their wish to help in some way. Donating to this GoFundMe is a very positive and powerful opportunity for you to help.
To those who have already generously contributed their time and/or financial support – Roisin and Matthew are forever grateful and humbled by your love and kindness.
Roisin was enjoying her first surfing lesson at Maroochydore Beach. During the lesson, she felt lower back pain and within an hour she had lost all sensation and movement from her ribs down. There was no freak wave or traumatic fall, but, shockingly, she had incurred a permanent spinal cord injury. A condition, known as Surfer’s Myelopathy, that has left her a paraplegic.
Roisin’s story is a reminder of how quickly life can change without notice, and often beyond comprehension.
Roisin is 36 years old. She is determined, fun-loving and a friend to many. Before her injury, she was working as a graphic designer and studying civil engineering. She was a busy parent, just like many of you reading her story.
To date, Roisin’s journey has included 5 months in a spinal rehabilitation hospital in Brisbane, followed by another 5 months in an accessible apartment, while waiting on the family home to be modified for wheelchair access. Since returning home in October 2020, daily life for Roisin continues to be very challenging, with chronic pain and assistance required to complete many everyday tasks.
She wishes for as normal a life as possible with her family – the simple pleasures that we often take for granted – like dropping our children to school.
So, despite her challenges, Roisin is ready to learn to drive a specially modified car. Driving will mean that Roisin can become more involved in her children’s lives again and regain some much needed independence.
Roisin and Matthew’s current family car is not suitable to be modified. Therefore, they need to purchase a new car which meets her needs, including low to the ground seats, wide opening doors, space for the wheelchair and other mobility devices, and specific electronic features.
Since her injury 16 months ago, Roisin and Matthew’s family, friends, and community have expressed their wish to help in some way. Donating to this GoFundMe is a very positive and powerful opportunity for you to help.
To those who have already generously contributed their time and/or financial support – Roisin and Matthew are forever grateful and humbled by your love and kindness.
Organizer and beneficiary
Melissa Park
Organizer
Camp Hill QLD
Roisin Clark
Beneficiary
