Kurt comes form a loving family. He was always an active kid who loved to ride his bike and play outside. When he discovered sport, he loved it and was very talented. In fact, he was on track to play rugby league professionally.
Just before Kurt’s 21st birthday, he was tragically injured while playing rugby league. He is now paralysed from the neck down and needs a respirator to breathe.
“It was pretty tough both mentally and physically. Obviously, I couldn’t feel or move, but then watching my family and friends go through the shock of seeing me this way was very difficult.”
Kurt had to learn to do basic things again, like how to swallow and to talk. He needs someone to help him with every aspect of his life. From the moment he wakes in the morning until he goes to bed at night.
“I am a quadriplegic now and need absolutely everything done for me. People don’t see the stuff that I have to deal with on a daily basis. Tasks that everyone else does for themselves like getting up out of bed in the morning, simply brushing their teeth, or shooing away a fly from their face. I can’t do those things on my own.”
Kurt can never be alone. To do so is life-threatening. He wants his independence and dignity back.
Despite what Kurt endures on a daily basis, he remains motivated for the future. His daily rehabilitation helps his mental and physical health and keeps him positive.
“I will breathe and walk again one day, I just don’t know when.”
“I’m motivated because I know there is more to life than this. There are many things to look forward to in the future for people like us with spinal cord injuries. There is hope for a cure for paralysis, it’s not too far away,” said Kurt.
