By Jessica Micallef
New Gisborne’s Michael Smith has overcome many challenges that have come his way.
At seven-years-old, Michael fell seven metres from a tree and landed on the left side of his body, resulting in an acquired brain injury, a right side hemiplegia.
Michael spent three months in a coma and had to learn how to walk, talk and eat again, and was told he would need full-time care for the rest of his life.
Because of his brain injury, Michael, 23, cannot open his right hand and has only just recently started to get movement back in his right leg.
“I did about three months of rehab which involved speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy all hospital based … at the Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.
“One day, my mum got sick of the hospital, she picked me up and took over as my full-time carer.”
As Michael grew up, he said his accident and the recovery process had a massive impact on his physical and mental health, but also affected how he completed normal, day-to-day tasks.
“I had to learn how to write again with the left hand, being a right-handed person,” he said.
“And even all the social things, trying to balance my rehab out of hospital with catching up with mates and I missed out on playing soccer because I was stuck in a wheelchair.”
But Michael was determined to not let his injuries get the best of him.
Michael was able to walk independently two years after his accident. He now has a certificate II in landscaping and a certificate III in parks and gardens. Michael also lives by himself and has worked at Macedon Nursery and Garden Supplies for six years.
“I’m just being normal,” he said.
“I have always been driven and have always been a hard worker. If I’m not sleeping, I am working, if I’m not at home, I’m at the gym.
Michael said he hoped his story and his ability to overcome any challenge thrown his way, inspired anyone with a disability to achieve their goals.
“You can work. Try and defeat the stigma that … just because he has a disability, he’s no use. Prove them wrong.”
