Wall of Fame 2007

The Wall of Fame is an activity of the Brain Injury Unit at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney. It began five years ago when Dr Clayton King, Medical Director of the Brain Injury Unit realised that the stories that people had to tell, of their accidents, recovery and rehabilitation were inspirational. These stories were not only important to the patient and their families, but would be an inspiration to others who are just beginning the journey of recovery following traumatic brain injury.

Participants in the Wall of Fame are former patients who have made significant achievements following a brain injury. Sometimes achieving a goal of learning to speak again, to play a guitar, or to engage in conversation is a significant outcome in their rehabilitation program. Each individual story is an inspiration to new patients who enter the Brain Injury Unit at ROYAL REHAB.

At the Wall of Fame the participants are presented with a framed photo and story that conveys the message of their achievements. Their “story” is then hung on the wall of the Brain Injury Unit as an inspiration to others.

At the 2007 Wall of Fame, messages of congratulation and support came from the Prime Minister John Howard and sporting legend Dawn Fraser. Brian Cadd representing Support Act was a special guest at the Wall of Fame.

Support Act Board member Brian Cadd had a special message of support and encouragement to a young musician, Tim Grant who is now using his music as way of expressing his journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Tim Grant
“I am hoping…to inspire others to believe in their dreams, be positive and never get the blues.”

In late Febuary, 2006, I was driving myself to church during a severe thunderstorm. There was a lot of water on the roads and my car aquaplaned across to the opposite side of the road, spun around and went backwards into an oncoming semi-trailer.

I was in a coma for three weeks, and had post-traumatic amnesia for the next four months. Of those five months, I have no memory.

At first, I thought I was just having a bad dream. Being so unaware of my state, I figured I would get better if I simply did as I was told…. I first talked in August, then walked in September. It took me nearly a year to become more intelligible and confident enough to speak more freely.

As a musician, not playing the piano or guitar was at first, very upsetting. I have worked very hard to regain these skills, and it has been good therapy, both physically and mentally.

My goals? Perform with my music, go back to some form of tertiary study… I am also hoping that I can use my experience to encourage and inspire others to believe in their dreams, be positive and never get the blues.