My name is Jake Tucker. I have a traumatic brain injury.

Before my injury, I used to be fit and active. I played a lot of sport and compete in horse events.

The doctors told me my brain was like jelly

My life changed significantly on the 27th of May 2018, when I was 28 years old. I’m told I was driving off
the highway in Southern NSW when my car came off the road, rolled, and wrapped around a tree.
Nobody knows what caused the accident or why it happened because no one was there to witness it. I
was flown straight to The Canberra Hospital.

I broke bones in my arms, legs, face and back. I couldn’t feel or move my arms or legs, and I couldn’t talk,
eat or drink. To begin with, I had a tube to help me breathe. I had blurred and double vision. The doctors
told me my brain was like jelly; it got shaken up inside my skull.

I couldn’t remember my partner being pregnant.

My daughter, Casey was born while I was in a coma. She was a huge but great shock to me because I
couldn’t remember my partner being pregnant.

My memory came back on the 8th of October 2018. I thought it was Boxing Day 2015. I had aged 3 years
without realising!

I had to re-learn every thing – I wish I could say it was easy, but it wasn’t

In July 2018, I was sent to Liverpool Hospital in Sydney where I learned to talk, walk, use my arms and
hands again. I wish I could say it was easy, but it was very difficult. I’m surprised and extremely proud of
my accomplishments.

When I first went home, I needed 24/7 care. My support workers helped me with travel, cooking meals,
cleaning, and managing my appointments.

A brain injury affects everything. It is known as a silent disability.

I still have a big team of people helping me.

It has been about 7 years since my injury.

I still have a big team of people helping me. I use a personal trainer at the gym, a speech therapist,
occupational therapist, case managers, social worker, physiotherapist, and a neurologist. I still use
support workers to help me with cooking, travel and shopping.

I still have trouble with lots of things but have a good and happy life – I improve in something every day.

I have trouble walking and running because of my balance issues. I have learned to play golf, basketball
and tennis with one arm. I have a lot of trouble using my left arm and hand so I do most stuff with my
right. I’m unable to drive a car.

I have trouble with my speech. Sometimes people ask me to repeat myself.
I’ve had a learn to do most stuff again but it’s not end of the world, I still have a good and happy life I
improve in something every day.

Please always make sure you drive safely, look where you are going and keep an eye on what is
happening around you. I never thought I would end up this way but look what happened.

Jake