Kate Shaw

I hate it when people tell me I don't look like I have a brain injury. I mean, what does that even mean? Should I have a bandage around my head and be drooling in a chair? I think people assume that once you're out of hospital or rehabilitation that you're all better but that's not how it is. There are lots of little things that still affect you day to day.

I was 15 years old when I had my injury and the doctors told me I wouldn't walk again. You can't tell teenagers what to do. I was determined to prove them wrong and I did. It wasn't a quick recovery, everything was baby steps. I couldn't go back to school because being in large groups of people overloaded my senses. I started coming to class for one subject and then as my stamina increased I added another subject and so on.

About two years after my injury I was still struggling mentally. We lived in Kurow so I was quite isolated. I came to Dunedin and stayed at a house called Te Whakaruruhau. They helped me a lot with gaining my independence and confidence. A psychologist I was seeing suggested I contact Brain Injury Association Otago and I'm so glad I did. The Brain Injury Association helped me understand my brain injury better and I've enjoyed doing fun things like Brain Camp. It's been great to have Cathy come along to doctor's appointments because sometimes you need that voice behind you, supporting you. They provide a great mix of social connection and educational resources.

I'm continuing to make baby steps in my life. I can now work part time and I've been cleared to get my driver's licence. I'm getting married in April and I have a really supportive fiancé. So, the struggles and milestones have changed as I've moved through life but I haven't let my injury hold me back. People with brain injuries are not a stereotype, we are all ages, genders and races, and we're all trying to live our best life.

"People with brain injuries are not a stereotype, we are all ages, genders and races, and we're all trying to live our best life.”