Client Stories

In 2019, while launching WanderSafe in Nigeria, I was bitten by a mosquito that transmitted the World’s Deadliest Parasite, Cerebral Malaria. This led to a coma, complete organ failure, and additional complications with Sepsis. The drugs that saved my life also left me with damaged limbs.

In 2021, after more than a year of hospitalisation, over thirty surgical interventions, and partial amputations, I made the decision to become Australia’s first bilateral above-ankle female osseointegrated amputee. Losing my limbs in 2021 during the Pandemic when socialising was at a minimum was a challenge.

I am the only amputee in my social community and although my friends loving helped me accept my appearance, it remained very foreign. I felt very alone and that other people could not relate to both the physical and mental challenges I was facing. Getting involved in parasports has been the greatest contributor to a positive mindset about life on the other side of limb loss.  It has helped me connect with other amputees, whom I can learn from and also encourage. Learning a new sport vs adapting something I already did like skiing was also a good thing. Parasports has helped me access a friendly community of positive people who too have endured trauma and accept me.

As a bilateral amputee, I am completely dependent on my prosthetics to support every activity I engage in. This ranges from taking care o

f my son and my dog to continuing my public advocacy for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Additionally, I serve as Rotary International’s Ambassador for the RAMS Finish-the-Fight.org campaign, which ai

ms to raise awareness and funds to eradicate Malaria in the West Pacific Rim. These responsibilities often require me to travel extensively, and I am grateful that my prosthetics have given me back my independence.

My prosthetic feet provide me with the versatility to wear shoes suitable for business attire and have expanded my wardrobe choices considerably.

I lead an active lifestyle and have rehabilitated my body from paralysis and atrophy through extensive Pilates reformer work. My adaptive ‘ankles’ grant me a range of motion to safely engage in exercise routines on the reformer without the fear of injury. In September 2022, I commenced competitive wheelchair fencing training, and I am now proudly representing Australia with my sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

I have a deep love for the ocean, and one of my goals was to return to swimming, snorkelling, and beach activities. Thanks to my ‘wet’ legs, I now have the freedom to enjoy water activities with my son.

My initial goal was simply to regain the ability to walk, a remarkable achievement in itself given the incredible odds and challenges I faced in 2021. My second goal was to resume an independent life after surviving a near-death experience.

Now, my most recent endeavor is becoming the cornerstone of the Australian Women’s Parafencing program. Currently ranked 49th in the world in Parafencing Women’s Sabre, I aspire to break into the top 20 and qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Beyond personal achievements, my ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy and establish a program that enables people with disabilities to explore the competitive and enjoyable world of parafencing, helping them reach their full potential.

I take pride in being the first female parafencer to represent Australia since 1960 and aspire to set an example for fellow Australians. My overarching ambition is to witness Australia fielding a top squad of parafencers at the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics.

My message for amputees is: Advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask questions. Educate those who are ignorant/uninformed about amputees with kindness. Love the limbs and body you have.