Overcoming Adversity
When Gary was injured in a gardening accident, he was told by doctors that he would never walk again. His life, confined to a wheelchair, seemed like an inevitable future—one he was unwilling to accept.
“I was told it’s unlikely you’ll walk again. The entire spine is chopped,” Gary recalls. “That was a kick in the guts, devastating.”
However, Gary’s story doesn’t end there. Through sheer determination and an unwavering will to live life to the fullest, he defied the odds. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit.
A Life Transformed
Before the accident, Gary was a man who loved the outdoors. He was an avid boater, bushwalker, cyclist, and cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. His world revolved around adventure and physical activity.
However, on February 25, 2023, everything changed. Gary was at his parents’ house, helping them trim branches in the garden. He was standing on a small wall, about two meters high, when things went wrong.
“I went to get down, and instead of going one way, I went the other,” he says. “I did a little bit of a fall, a half pike, or whatever you want to call it, and landed on the median strip.”
The fall had devastating consequences: Gary had severed his spinal cord, leaving him a complete paraplegic.
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The Road to Recovery
Gary spent the next six months in the hospital. During this time, his life, as well as the lives of his family members, was turned upside down. Jen, his wife, stood by him through every moment of despair and fear.
“Honestly, it’s a shock. Seeing Gaz incapacitated in that way, it didn’t seem real,” Jen reflects. “He couldn’t even sit up to give me a proper hug. It was hard.”
But Gary was determined not to accept his new reality. With Jen by his side, he set out to find a way to walk again.
Discovering Robo Fit: A New Hope
In his search for recovery, Gary found Robo Fit, a cutting-edge rehabilitation center in Sydney. There, he began training with an exoskeleton designed to help individuals with spinal cord injuries regain movement.
The process is a combination of brain signals and technology. Electrodes are placed on Gary’s skin to pick up the messages his brain is sending to his muscles. The exoskeleton then assists him in completing the movement.
At first, Gary’s sessions were focused on walking on a treadmill, a small step in a long journey.
“It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s great. It makes the evening beer even better when I get home,” Gary jokes after one of his sessions.
As time passed, the training progressed, and Gary made significant strides. The day came when he was able to walk on solid ground, with the exoskeleton supporting his movements.
The Power of Determination
Gary’s recovery journey is not just about technology; it’s about his mindset. His journey reflects the power of hope, determination, and the belief that nothing is impossible.
Maryanne and Dan, the creators of Robo Fit, know firsthand the importance of such a mindset. Dan, who himself became a paraplegic in 2010, used the exoskeleton technology to walk again. He and Maryanne have become a source of inspiration for many.
Dan shares his personal motto: “Never say never.” He was once told he would never move again, but through training and perseverance, he’s standing today. In fact, he even surprised Maryanne by standing and walking for their first dance at their wedding.
“Gary has an incredible mindset. He’s doing the impossible,” says Dan. “That’s the power of belief.”
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The Future: A Dream Within Reach
Gary’s goal is simple yet powerful: he wants to wake up in the morning and walk down the stairs to make a cup of tea for his wife, Jen.
“I accept that I’ll be in this wheelchair forever. But I’d love to be able to walk in the morning and make a cup of tea for Jen,” Gary says. “I’m not giving up on walking again.”
Jen, supportive as ever, smiles and adds, “He’s on his best behavior today.”
A Journey of Hope
Gary’s journey shows us that no matter how difficult the situation, determination and a positive mindset can lead to extraordinary results. He is not defined by the wheelchair; rather, he is defined by his will to fight, to walk again, and to live his life fully.
“It’s amazing to see you up and about like that, Gary. It says so much about your determination and your outlook on life,” says a friend, admiring his progress.
Gary will walk again—this time, not as a man who was told he could never walk, but as a man who proved that nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it.