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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
Six years ago, Emma received a phone call from a Gold Coast Health social worker that changed her life.
“She told me my husband, Stephen, had been in a motor vehicle accident,” Emma said.
“I had this terrible feeling that life was about to change.”
Driving in heavy rain, Stephen’s ute lost control on the freeway and collided with a light pole and guardrail. The impact crushed his legs, and both lower limbs were amputated at the scene to save his life.
Following emergency surgery, Stephen was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and placed in a coma.
Twelve hours later, he woke surrounded by his care team and Emma.
“He pointed to his leg and the look in his eyes told me he knew it was no longer there,” Emma said.
“He then gestured to the other leg, and when I told him they were both gone he just nodded in blunt acceptance.”
In the days that followed, Stephen underwent six skin graft procedures as multidisciplinary teams worked to support his recovery.
“I’m just happy to be alive and I won’t give up,” he said.
One week later, Stephen was transferred to the trauma ward, where staff began to see his trademark sense of humour and positivity return.
Gold Coast Health Nurse Navigator and Trauma Survivors Network Coordinator Matt Scott said Stephen's attitude stood out from the very beginning.
“We find trauma patients who have an optimistic attitude tend to recover faster and Stephen is testament to that,” Matt said.
“It was amazing watching his perseverance and determination.”
Born deaf, Stephen was no stranger to overcoming challenges. After five weeks in hospital, he was discharged and eager to return to the activities he loved.
“He was in the ocean one month later with a carer trying to knee surf,” Emma said.
“The carer pushed him onto a wave as he kept his weight centred.
“He said, ‘This is worth living for,’ afterwards.”
Stephen soon received his first carbon fibre prosthetic legs and learned to walk again. He also regained his independence behind the wheel by obtaining an adjusted driver's licence and learning to drive a vehicle fitted with hand controls.
His determination didn’t stop there, taking up rowing in 2022.
“At first, balancing was hard,” Emma said.
“He’d fall out a lot and would have to swim back to shore, but he’d keep getting back up and try again.”
Today, Stephen has won medals in canoeing competitions and recently competed in the Canoe Marathon Championships in Canberra.
“No matter what life throws at Stephen, he somehow finds a way to smile through it,” Emma said.
“He’s my hero.”
Six years on from his accident, Stephen remains an active member of Gold Coast Health’s Trauma Survivors Network, reconnecting with the healthcare teams who supported him during his recovery and sharing his story to inspire other trauma patients facing their own challenges.
