MY STORY
I was born with one of the worst or most severe versions of Epidermolysis Bullosa. More commonly known as EB or Cotton Wool Babies. E.B is regarded as one of the most painful genetic skin conditions. There is no cure for E.B. My skin is as fragile as tissue paper and will literally break down and disintegrate just by being alive.
My parents were told I would not survive to see my 5th birthday.
Not only did I find a way to survive, but I also found a way to thrive under the extreme conditions, to now be one of the oldest survivors living with one of the most severe versions of E.B., from being told numerous times over that I would not survive to see my next birthday. To become wheelchair-bound and be unable to move, and then learning techniques to control the pain and learn to walk again. Through simply having to find a way to fit into society when everybody said I could not, or should not. The impossible is nothing new to me. I do the impossible on a daily basis.
Why would somebody born with genetically weak or fragile skin ever think about taking up the hobby of Powerlifting?
Like I said above. I do the impossible on a daily basis. Weightlifting is all about physical strength, or so everybody says. But to become one of the strongest in the world. That requires mental strength, discipline, dedication, commitment, and courage. Which is right in my wheelhouse. I have spent my entire life turning down painkillers as a way to control the pain in my life and make life a little bit easier. I am comfortable in the uncomfortable. So when my friends and I learned that my skin could handle certain gym exercises. It was only natural for me to dive headfirst and challenge myself to uncover exactly what my body could handle.
When I started lifting, I could not lift anything more than a 2-litre drink bottle. But with an unbreakable mindset and a willingness to push my body to its absolute limits, I started to rewrite all the rules once again. Thanks to my Never Admit Defeat mindset and some amazing coaching from two of the best in the world, I have transformed my body from weak and fragile to one of the strongest (both physically and mentally) in the world. Yes, my skin is still incredibly fragile, and there is no cure for that. But that has not stopped me from unleashing the power within to become stronger and healthier than I could have ever dreamed of being.
MY PASSION
I have taken all the amazing experiences and all the devastating lows and put them together in a captivating story. A motivational presentation that inspires and motivates everyone who hears it.
No two presentations are ever the same with me. As I use my unique skill to connect with the audience and tap into the vibe in the room to deliver a truly special presentation based entirely around the roller coaster that has been my life.
I talk about the devastating lows and how hard life has been, and the amazing highs and achievements and all the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I share the mindset and mental keys I have used all throughout my journey to go from somebody given no chance of surviving through to someone who has achieved more than I could have ever dreamed of achieving.
To me, speaking is all about connecting with people. I have spoken at small local community events or small local businesses, then jumped on a plane and flown to a kick-off as a keynote speaker to a huge conference of 5,000 or more people. I have sat and done one-on-one mentoring with people struggling with addictions, and then I have captivated the audience at the Great Hall in Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.
It does not matter how big or small the event is. I am 100% certain my story will have a lasting impact on all who hear it.
DEBRA AUSTRALIA
The Debra Charity is very important to me. Before there was Debra Australia, there was Debra Qld, Debra NSW and so on. All the state charities came together in 2005 to officially merge together and form Debra Australia. I was there on that day, just as the Debra charity has been there for my family and me throughout my entire life. Debra Australia supports everyone living with Epidermolysis Bullosa. It does not matter if it is family support that is needed. Medical support or assistance, Emotional or Psychological support, Debra is there for everyone living with this incredibly cruel and painful condition.
Sometimes it is as little as helping to fund a fun family holiday to try and make some special memories. Other times, it’s fundraising for life-saving home modifications or treatment. Other times, it’s just knowing that everyone involved with Debra knows exactly what you are going through because everybody involved with this charity usually has a direct link to someone living with E.B.
I have been a part of Debra for as long as I can remember. Both as someone who has and occasionally still does receive assistance from Debra, and someone who actively helps promote and fundraise for Debra throughout my entire life.
When Debra Australia asked me to become an official Ambassador in 2018, I was so incredibly proud and honoured. It is an ambassador role that is very important to me to this very day.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Rugby League, I guess you could say, was and is my first love. I’m a big sports fan in general, but something about Rugby League just feels like it is in my DNA. One of my very first memories, like most kids in Queensland, is of the State of Origin back in the early 80’s. But I also remember just watching my cousins and other kids playing footy in the backyard and at the local fields and wishing I could be out there with everyone. Unfortunately, my body would never allow that.
Then the Brisbane Broncos entered the competition in 1988, and I was hooked for life. In 1989, my family and I were invited down to the Broncos for the first time to watch the team train. That initial one time meeting with the team sparked a friendship and connection with the Brisbane Broncos players that continues to this very day.
In 2005, Wayne Bennett suggested to the club that I should be officially recognised as an Ambassador, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Hall of Fame
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AUSTRALIA
I would not be the speaker I am today if it were not for 1 particular person who worked at South Burnett Jobmatch. To be honest, I probably would not have ever had a job if it were not for Jobmatch Employment. So, Disability Employment Agencies have played a very significant role in my adult life.
When I first started talking about wanting to one day become as Motivational Speaker, it was Jobmatch who helped me on this amazing journey.
In fact, my first big national conference was at the Disability Employment Conference way back in 2004.
Not long after, I was officially invited to become the first official ambassador for Disability Employment Australia.
That role saw me travel to Canberra and meet with some of Australia’s most influential people, sharing my story and highlighting what disabled people are capable of achieving in mainstream employment. It was and still is to this day that I take very seriously. To be able to share my story and be a voice for all those that maybe do not have the loudest voice is very important.
In 2018, the team at Disability Employment Australia gave me the honour of becoming one of the official Hall of Fame members as a recognition of all the work over all the years.
