Photo montage of happy people

Our Families

Team Sarah-Jane
Fundraising Target:
$ 150,000.00
Donations to Date:
$ 44,043.64

Messages of Support

“Love you Sarah. You are doing so well.”
-- Samantha Wilson

“Sarah. Sailing solo around the world is nothing compared to what you are doing. With best wishes! Robert”
-- Robert Raven

“Best wishes & good luck”
-- Michael & Peter Jenkinson Alltype Wholesale

“It was good to hear that you are out of hospital now Sarah. Hope you will now be able to get the treatment you need.”
-- Evelyn Williames

“I wish you well and I am sure with God's help anything is possible.”
-- Graham Rigby

“ ”
-- Christina Ziegenfusz

“Our very best wishes Sarah, John and Judy Halter”
-- Judy Halter

“Hi Sarah Jane and supporters. Well done and I wish you the speediest recovery. One thing you might like to investigate is Electromagnetic Therapy. It is used extensively to speed up the recovery process. Look up http://www.curative.com.au/ We have a Dermafield machine in our Skin Clinic that you would be welcome to use free of charge if you thought it might benefit you. Best Wishes Glen Anastacia Body and Skin care”
-- Glendon Baguley

“Go girl, go!”
-- Jennifer Balmer

“My thougths are with you Sarah and Jane. All the best with your treatment. Love from Nerina”
-- Nerina Barnes

“I believe in your perfect health Sarah-Jane. You are an inspiration to the world.”
-- Wendy Bentley

“All the best, Sarah and Jane!”
-- Qian Liu

“DearSarah-Jane, I just saw your story on 'Sunday Night' and I think you are a true inspiration and an the bravest person I've ever seen. I'm only 26 and can't imagine what you have to go through everyday. All the best with your recovery. xo”
-- Jennifer Ellis

“Dear Sarah, You're an inspiration. A brave woman who will beat all the odds. Wishing you a full,fruitful and happy life. ”
-- Adrian Floridia

“Our prayers are with you both.”
-- Brett Hablethwaite

“Good luck in reaching your next goal and keep up the good work. You and your family are an inspiration to us all”
-- Theo Manifavas

“thankyou for sharing your story , you may not feel like it everyday but you are inspiration to women everywhere! thankyou !”
-- briony rees

“Dear Sarah and Jane, What an inspiring journey of recovery. I wish you all the best and hope that your experience inspires both patients with brain injuries as well as health professionals to train in the growing field of functional neurology. Stacey Saunders (Chiropractor)”
-- Stacey Saunders

“Keep your wonderful work, best wishes..”
-- Nina Klawisz

“To walk a day in the life of either Sarah or her mother would be something that very could manage. Certainly puts everything into perspective in your day to day existence. Two very inspirational ladies.”
-- Lee Petersen

“Sarah you and your family are inspirational.Your Mum is amazing. Well wishes to you, you are a remarkable woman xoxoxo”
-- Sue Sanchez

“Sarah- Jane , even when you feel isolated try to remember the wonderful influence you are having on so many people. A special and blessed life can be full of challenge and you have had more than most....but you are getting there, day by day, week by week. I admire you, Shane ”
-- Shane Smollen

“Wish you every happiness in the world.”
-- Helen Crook

“Hi Sarah, My Daughter Sienna (she is 10) & i saw your story on sunday night, it touched us both & my daughter requested we donate to your foundation. U have an unbelievable mum & we wish u both all the best”
-- suzanne lazaridis

“We wish you all the best!”
-- Raymond Maung

“I saw this story on Sunday Night and felt the need to help with Sarah's recovery. I wish you all the best and am inspired by your courage!”
-- kristen Ella

“Sarah, you are inspirational. You're story will give hope to victims of stroke and ABI everywhere xoxoxo Shelley Reynolds”
-- Shelley Reynolds

“Thanks for the opportunity to help. We heard of Sarah through Norman Doidge and our daughter Susan who is his Australian publicist.”
-- Bruce and Sue Shepherd

“Thank you for sharing your story. You both are an inspiration to us all. Sarah you are a beautiful young women and you have the best Mum and friends. ”
-- Janine Harris

“Jane and Sarah ... an unfortunate and amazing story last night on Sunday (Channel 7). Every day is a blessing and your strength something for us all to admire. ”
-- Nicole Spratt

“You are truly inspiring. May God bless you. With love, Mavys Jeffers & Tracey Wright(nee Jeffers)- remember us from Toowoomba”
-- Tracey Wright

“You are truly inspiring. May God bless you. With love, Mavys Jeffers & Tracey Wright(nee Jeffers)- remember us from Toowoomba”
-- Tracey Wright

“Hi I've been a supporter of Holly Mason who the Therapiezentrum Burgau have helped so much. I think it's a shame Australia does not have such a wonderful facility. I send you love and best wishes. ”
-- Michele Godfrey

“Sarah you are a strong and a brave girl and an inspiration to all of us.God Bless you!!!”
-- Viswajit Noronha

“Keep up the good work Sarah. From Nat's mum, Lexie and friends - Sue, Carol, Hazel, Dianne, Judy and Joan.”
-- Natalie Green

“I wish Sarah Jane the very best on her path to recovery. ”
-- Ashleigh Brotherton

“Hey Sarah, Thinking about you. Such an inspiriation. Looking forward to hearing more about how you keep beating the odds. Aileen xoxo”
-- Aileen Adam

“I wish you all the best sarah!!! your such a strong woman!!!”
-- Nicole Moffat

“I may not be a millionaire sadly, but I hopefully can make a difference with this Sarz! Love Dom.”
-- Dominic Martin

“Get well!”
-- Tatiana Makarenko

“Merry Christmas!!!”
-- Tatiana Makarenko

“Hi Team Sarah-Jane! I have just watched your story on the Sunday Night show's webpage and am thouroughly moved and impressed by your will to improve against all odds. It's so great to see people really do challenge medical opinions and thrive against all odds. I am about to go into my 3rd year as a physiotherapy student and seeing this (and reading Norman's book) has given me hope that maybe what we do can actually help in much more of a positive way in the future. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours!! Em ”
-- Emma Freer

“Hi Sarah, I saw you and your mum at the Michael Franti gigs at the Blues Festival in Byron Bay. You have an amazing attitude and I think many Australians could learn a thing or two from your courage, determination and spirit. Much love, peace & compassion. Mel”
-- Melissa Faulkner

“Hugs and prayers for your continued progress.”
-- Jane Stanley

“I wish you to get well. My brother has ALS and will always get worse but you have the chance to always get better! All the best luck to you on your way of healing.”
-- Tatjana Guedes

“You are an inspiration Sarah. Great seeing you at the Blues Fest.”
-- Donna Cassar

“Keep progressing Sarah, you're an inspiration.”
-- Martin Bates

“I think your mother is a remarkable woman. No wonder you have beaten the odds with genes like that. All our love and prayers The Poulters”
-- Vanessa Poulter

“I think your mother is a remarkable woman. No wonder you have beaten the odds with genes like that. All our love and prayers The Poulters”
-- Vanessa Poulter

“Sarah i just saw the Sunday programme and was so moved.You are inspirational well done and Godbless you.”
-- Frederick Wheeler

“God Bless you Sarah, I hope you make a full recovery. Hope this small bit helps and I'll try to rally up a bit more help.”
-- Katherine Tukavkin

“Belief, Hope and Love - may they see you though the tough times and inspire you through the good. xo Louise and Marty”
-- Louise Poulsen

“Dear Sarah, Physically you might aim for higher goals but mentally you are soaring much higher then most living souls! All the best, Nicole”
-- Nicole Mcdonald

“Sarah-Jane, I wish you all the best in the world and hope that you can still achieve all that you hope and wish for. Simone”
-- Simone Smith-Henry

Team Sarah-Jane

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Description

In August 2008, I had a massive brainstem stroke. There was a three and half hour delay before I was seen in emergency. Consequently, the damage caused by the stroke has left me with a body that must learn everything again.

The stroke blocked the pathways from my brain to my body. This meant that messages could not get up and back.

After 6 months in ICU and a further 16 months in hospital I returned home in June 2010.

The PA hospital did not accept me for intensive rehabilitation. Despite that, and with the help of my personal trainer, support workers and Mum I have continued to make gains

After:

6 months my lungs had learnt to breath, I could point to a chart.

12 months I was talking, and no longer required the support of oxygen, I am typing on the computer.

18 months I was standing to pivot, able to hold myself up with support sitting.

24 months I was taking some steps with lots of help, able to go from sitting to standing, cleaning my own teeth, brushing my own hair

30 months I can dress myself with a little help and am swallowing my saliva better.

But I am only half way there and with help I know I can make a full recovery.

I have not had anything to eat or drink in almost three years, with intensive swallow therapy I know this gift will return and I will savor every mouthful.

It will take time and a great deal of effort to learn to walk, even with a frame, but I will walk again and each step will take me one step closer to the dance floor.

It will take time before the messages find their way to my vocal chords, giving me back my strong and melodic voice. But, with each word I say I am one word closer to singing in pitch.

People have been so wonderful to me. I make new friends everyday and am inspired by others who have made remarkable recoveries or contributions. I hope in some way I am able to offer others hope and help when needed.

People’s generosity is overwhelming, The team I have around me, Mum, support workers and therapists are helping me to live a full life, while edging ever closer to my goals.

I have lost so much, but everyday I am grateful for the love, help, kindness and experiences that come my way! I have been on stage with Michael Franti and Spearhead and the Foo Fighters in front of thousands and been on Channel 7.

My friend Scott held a successful fundraiser, sparring 100 rounds for me. Not many people have knock out friends, or experiences, like that!

Mum and I are so grateful for all the support, emotional, physical and financial. The money raised to date through this site has been spent on essential equipment and therapists.

We are fund raising now to go the Sheppard Centre in Atlanta.

If you would like to contact me or my Mum, Jane, to help or for more information on my recovery then please contact us through janegapp@yahoo.com.au.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Below are links to my story.

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/watch/22486718/

Sarah Gapp