Gracie on road to independence thanks to Fiona Stanley Hospital
At 19 years old, Gracie Radich’s world turned upside down when she accidentally fell from a balcony, three stories high after a night out with friends.
Gracie spent seven months in hospital, including a short stay as an inpatient in the State Rehabilitation Service (SRS) at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).
She suffered multiple injuries, from a fractured skull to shattered pelvis, multiple bone breaks from neck to waist, a punctured lung, kidney bleeds and many other complications.
She also suffered from a stroke due to the pressure on her brain, which meant she had to have bone removed from her head to relieve the pressure.
Prior to her accident, Gracie had an active job working in aged care. Now aged 21, she is still working with the SRS staff getting stronger and learning to walk, talk, eat, run, read and write.
“Learning to walk and balance was the hardest to get through, but I never gave up,” said Gracie.
“I’m really thankful to the staff for coaching me through my recovery!
“I’m coming to terms with having to learn to drive again from scratch, and that my whole world has changed for a 21-year-old, for the better now!”
With her family by her side and her strong determination, Gracie has been able to work on her recovery every day and is now volunteering with the Synapse Party Program to share her story, and the impact that using drugs and alcohol can have, with young people across Perth.
“Volunteering gives me purpose and if I can save one person from making the same mistake as me, it will all be worth it.” said Gracie.
She is currently working towards becoming a volunteer at Fiona Stanley Hospital and we cannot wait to have her on board!
Gracie hopes in five years’ time she will be back driving, running, working, and living independently in her own house.
