Stories & Achievements: Kerry’s Story

Kerry’s story: Don’t stop believing

I was born in Taree and first lived in Coolongolook. It’s a small place that only had one garage, although now it’s got two. I went to primary school there and had a great upbringing. We used to raid my dad’s garden and milk the cows every morning. I had a horse that I used to ride and we often went down to the river for a swim.

I haven’t ridden a horse for a couple of years now. The last time I went to ride at a mate’s property at Black Hill and when I hopped on it took off like a rocket! We headed down a footpath on a canter and the horse wanted to jump this creek. I thought ‘now way, I’m getting off here,’ so I jumped off and grabbed the reins.

Dad and I were going to get some corn from people up the road and I jumped from the back of the trailer which didn’t have any brakes. I fell under the wheel and landed on my head. That was the moment my life changed. There was blood everywhere and they rushed me from Nabiac to Taree hospital. I had brain surgery and was in hospital for a long time. There wasn’t any rehab at that time, I just had to get on with life.  When I went back to primary school it was hard to read and write but I managed.

Mum, Dad and I moved down from Coolongolook to Newcastle with all our stuff in a cattle truck. We bought a house in Cardiff and Dad worked at BHP while Mum worked at the Inghams factory at Cardiff.  I then went to Cardiff High School but it didn’t do much for me - maybe a little too much messing about.

I am an only child and I was close to parents.  When they passed  I lived with my step-mum in a small room in Cardiff with a stereo system hooked up to the TV.  It was like having big V8’s in the house!  My mate knocked on the door shouting ‘Hey Red?’ and eventually I’d hear and respond with ‘Yes, I’m here!’ My nickname was Red because I had long red hair and a big beard and lots of earrings but that’s all gone now. I’m lucky to still have some friends that look after me. These days I enjoy playing X-Box. I play it all the time, but when I get bored with it I play music through it via the TV.

Before Headstart I was with two other companies until someone said ‘Why don’t you go to Headstart?’ and it’s been a really good fit.  That was about six years ago and Headstart have some great support workers and they are good people.

Joel (Coworker) at the office is helpful and has sent me the Rec Group calendar and now I’m interested to do some activities.  I love to get out and about so they look pretty good – ten pin bowling, the walks, karate class, bbq’s.

We go around Lake Macquarie. I enjoy walking with Michelle and Pip at the Fernleigh Track and Glenrock down near the water. We change it up and do different things: walking at Bar Beach, Newcastle, the Foreshore. I love fishing too. I’ve got two fishing rods. I sometimes fish at Hexham near the boat ramp using squid. I used to go to Stocko with the guys chasing hairtail - the ones with the big teeth.

I’m looking for a job now. I’ve had a few people say no, but there’s no harm in asking. I just have to keep trying.  One of them said ‘you’re on drugs!’ I said ‘mate I’m not on drugs’.

I take tablets from my epilepsy and in my blackouts and panic attacks.  Besides epilepsy I’ve had blackouts, seizures, anxiety and all that since I was young.  Medication keeps it under control and my support workers help me with that.  They also help me with shopping and community access. Just not cooking - my girlfriend helps me with that.

Recently CSW Michelle and I drove to Bar Beach and were walking towards Merewether.  I saw this guy sitting on a chair by his van reading a book. I said G’day and his name was Damon.  I was telling him about my brain injury and he said ‘Mate, I’ve got something here for you. You’ll really like it.’  He handed me this book. I said ‘Wow, look at this, it’s a nice book!’  Damon responded ‘You know what, it’s all about you. Take it home and read it.’

Damon is a good man, you don’t see many people like him.  The book means a lot to me and encourages me. I’ve learned heaps and it takes me to another place. It reminds me about the days I used to go to Coon Island near Cam’s Wharf.  When I was younger I used to hire a runabout boat and go fishing there.

People have got to believe in themselves and have an active mind.  I like keep my mind active so I don’t get dementia.

I go to Soul Hub every week with my support worker and I’ve made some good friends there. It’s a good place to have a chat and a great meal. After the lunch finishes at 12.30 you get a ticket to collect two free bags of groceries.  I hear that Soul are having a big Christmas party which will be great. For Christmas day I’ll probably just stay at home and will be with support worker Michelle on boxing day.  We’ll enjoy going for a walk somewhere.”

More info on Damon McDonald and “I am Awesome, Who are you?’” at: www.iamawesome.tv

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