February 2013, started like any other day for Rodney. He was in his backyard, doing some routine yard work, trimming palm trees. But in a single, heart-stopping moment, his life took a drastic turn. A six-meter fall from a ladder sent him plummeting onto a brick retaining wall, an impact that instantly fractured his C9 and C10 vertebrae, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
The immediate aftermath of the accident was a whirlwind of medical care and a new reality. Rodney spent five months at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The physical and emotional challenges were immense, but with resilience he faced them head-on.
After leaving the hospital, Rodney’s journey continued at home. With the unwavering love and support of his family, he began to navigate life in a wheelchair. His determination didn’t stop there. He returned to work at Hastings Deering.
Rodney’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s most profound challenges, hope and resilience can carry us through. He continues to look forward, remaining optimistic that a treatment for spinal cord injuries is in the foreseeable future.
