Inspiring… St Albans resident Michelle Newland has turned her life around after suffering a severe brain injury. 64573 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT.
By Belinda Nolan
THE smile on Michelle Newland’s face says it all.
The St Albans resident is living proof of the slogan “never give up.”
Almost a decade ago, Michelle was a vivacious teenager on the cusp of achieving her dreams when she was struck down by a near fatal asthma attack.
With her brain deprived of oxygen for 10 minutes, Michelle suffered a severe brain injury that doctors believed she would never recover from.
Due to a lack of services, the teenager was forced to spend 18 months in a nursing home.
But with the support of her family, Michelle made a remarkable recovery, learning to eat, talk and walk again.
Now 28, Michelle is one of the success stories and counts herself as blessed to have achieved so much.
Michelle has found the courage to speak out about her experiences in a bid to make a difference in others’ lives.
The young woman has been appointed as an ambassador for Building Better Lives, a campaign to get young people out of nursing homes and into more age-appropriate accommodation.
A gifted public speaker, Michelle travels to schools and community organisations to tell her story in the hopes of helping other young people in the predicament.
Building Better Lives ambassador program manager Carolyn Finis said Michelle was living proof that nursing homes were not appropriate for young people.
“She has come out of this journey and is doing well and making such a worthwhile contribution to the community,” Ms Finis said.
“She would never be able to do what she’s doing if she was confined in a nursing home.”
“I love public speaking because I love getting my message across and helping others,” Michelle said.
Michelle currently volunteers at Resurrection Primary School, makes greeting cards and is working on her second children’s book.
