My name is Drey, I’m 29 years old and I’m a quadriplegic and have been for the last 20 years. I was 9 years old when I was involved in a car accident where I was crushed between a 4WD and a truck.
I have had a ventilator and trachesotomy to help me breathe since then. I have learnt to make the most out of life.I enjoy mouth painting, watching sport, comedy and spending time with family and friends.
Kim and Caroline worked with me in ICU from the day of my accident and then followed me home, they worked for another organisation for 18 years... my big brother Tyron played a massive part in my care and took over my care coordination to assist me to live more independently. We decided we wanted them to take over my team and work as a partnership with us in delivering care and the rest is history!
Drey was diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia, insulin dependent diabetes, and suffers with seizures. He is also reliant on a ventilator and tracheostomy to breathe. Drey is a quadriplegic unable to move his body from the neck down.
Drey’s needs are complex requiring nursing care
24/7. His ventilator and tracheostomy need constant management by skilled professionals. They also manage Drey’s medications and recognise and response to any acute deteriorations he may have when becoming unwell.
Although Drey is dependent on medical care - he has his own voice and his decisions are his own. His team respect him and him choices as an individual, and know that he is not just a diagnosis.
Arlo is a lively two and a half year old boy with a very cheeky nature who was born 29 weeks premature.
As a result of a traumatic birth, he sustained an acquired brain injury and has since required a constant supply of oxygen. A tracheostomy tube was inserted into Arlo’s throat to maintain his complex airway. As Arlo has grown, several other co-morbidities have also been diagnosed.
He is thriving on a mixed oral and blended PEG fed diet. This year with the SN Services team and his allied health team he has become independent in getting around in his modified crawl and is working towards standing and walking with the assistance of his Rifton walker.
Arlo requires assistance between 16-24 hours of everyday - time he has used to steal everyone’s hearts!
Arlo has been diagnosed with an acquired brain injury, vocal cord damage, laryngeal spasm and nerve damage, respiratory centre damage and global developmental delay.
Arlo is also suspected to have Cerebral Palsy due to his dystonia and low muscle tone.
Arlo has had multiple surgeries and interventions to try and manage his complex ongoing health needs. He attends multiple therapies every week to continue his progress.
We understand that there is a difference between chronic illness and an individual’s wellness journey, and that they can still thrive after diagnosis.
At 6 months old, Azzrah was first witnessed having a seizure by his mother Lisa. After presenting to the emergency department, Azzrah's case was overheard through the curtain by an experienced Paediatric Neurologist, Dr J Silberstein. They were immediately on their way to a larger hospital and underwent the rigourous stressful testing that would become a part of their lives forever. His EEGs showed seizure activity every 35-40 seconds.
Since that day, Azzrah has been diagnosed with many different syndromes and illnesses, his treatment and management constantly evolving as he ages.
Despite his hardships, Azzrah lives his life to the fullest. Between his love of food, bubbles and water, there is usually no shortage of his signature heartmelting smiles and laughter. Azzrah lives at home with his loving family and enjoys going to school and communicating with those around him.
Azzrah's diagnosis list grew as he did, bringing new challenges along the way. Diagnoses include: Cerebral Palsy, West Syndrome, Severe developmental delay,
Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, with severe refractory epilepsy.
Alongside various therapies and medication regimes, a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) has been surgically implanted into his chest wall to help control his many different seizure types.
Azzrah requires significant additional care support. We aim to support your child and you; to take some of the weight off your shoulders throughout the treatment process, both short and long term.