Article in ‘The Age’

Beau Vernon

On June 23rd 2012 my life changed forever. A normal incident in a normal game of Aussie rules football left me with C5-C6 quadriplegia. In an instant I went from a 23 year old who never sat still, to spending 8 months in hospital and looking at the prospect of spending my life in a wheelchair. Before the incident I played any sport and would be up for any outdoor activity and even quit a commerce degree at the thought of sitting down to work all day. Things have definitely changed for me. Until recently, my family and I had no idea about spinal cord injuries. This is why I want to share my experiences of living with a spinal cord injury and the difficulties that come with it. The support I have received from family, friends and even people I haven't met has been unbelievable, I just want to show you all what you have helped me achieve and that I'm going to live a normal and happy life, even if it is in a chair.