TJ Campagna Recovery

On 19 December 2017 Thomas “TJ” Campagna was seriously injured in a horrific car crash on the Kings Highway. His mother, Alanna, who was driving and their family friend, Christina were also hurt. TJ is a 13 year old representative rugby player who is determined to get back to normal life and most importantly back on the field.   The crash was caused by a female driver, allegedly under the influence of the drug ICE, who was driving in front of TJ’s car crossing onto the other side of the road and clipping the back of an oncoming vehicle. Subsequently the oncoming vehicle crossed onto the wrong side of the road into the path of TJ’s car.  TJ’s car t-boned the passenger side of the oncoming vehicle. Both cars were travelling around 100km. TJ, Alanna and Christina remained stuck in the car until paramedics and fire crews arrived. The female at fault has been charged and remanded in prison.    TJ was airlifted to Canberra Hospital where he remained for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period which included 7 days in ICU. TJ suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs, significant damage to his lower abdomen including a perforated bowel resulting in his need of a stoma for three to six months, whip lash, seatbelt and surgery scars, three chipped teeth and ad hoc vomiting.   The impact of TJ’s injuries upon his sporting career are both short and long term and are devastating for him. He is taunted by the fear that his injuries will see the end of his dreams of playing professional rugby. He has had to withdraw from a school rugby union tour of Sydney and there is a very real and heartbreaking possibility that he will not make the rugby union representative team because of his lack of fitness by the time of State Championships in June. On a daily basis he is still in considerable pain, is finding it very difficult to eat and sleep, is extremely embarrassed by the smell and sight of his stoma and is petrified of travelling in any motor vehicle that is not an SUV. His family have real concerns for his mental health. Despite these challenges TJ’s family believe that with the right support and with the same incredible strength and determination that TJ displays on the field he will win this battle and return to the game be loves.   Unfortunately TJ’s family are now faced with the difficult task of dealing with insurance companies and the reality of expenses not covered by insurance. The most significant being the loss of Alanna’s income resulting from the need to provide TJ with full time care. Other expenses include rehabilitation equipment, modifications to TJ’s home to make him more comfortable and entertainment expenses for a normally very active 13 year old boy.   Any assistance you can provide to help TJ and his family tackle his recovery would be greatly appreciated.      #Footy4TJ   For more information on TJ’s recovery see TJ Campagna Recovery.  Thank you Brooke Johnson (family friend) Level 6, 28 University Avenue Canberra ACT 2601 Please note any funds remaining after TJ has completed his recovery will be donated to the Canberra Hospital Foundation in TJ’s name.