Rohan’s story is featured as part of our Christmas Appeal 2017. To help make a difference in the lives of people with spinal cord damage or related physical disability like Rohan, click here to donate.
When people sustain a spinal injury, the recovery process usually involves a lot of readjustment, patience and support.
For Ipswich resident Rohan Sills, it also involved jumping out a plane at 14,000 feet in the air.
The 27-year old Spinal life Australia client had his first ever skydiving experience less than four months out of hospital and he’s already planning his next.
“It was such an amazing feeling; once you jump out the plane all your worries are just gone,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to do it but never had the time before. I figured, why not now?”
Rohan said he experienced his share of hardships after sustaining paraplegia from a work accident and spending six months in hospital, but now has a much more positive attitude.
“It took some time for me to get my head around what had happened,” he said.
“It’s the same for anyone experiencing a rough time, you have to focus on getting your head in the right place.
“The only limit is your own doubt.”
Rohan said he had support from Spinal Life’s Peer Support team during the difficult days, particularly from Support Officer Peter Harre.
“Peter helped motivate me to be the best I could be during a difficult time,” he said.
“We still keep in touch even after I left the hospital.”
Rohan also participated in Spinal Life’s Back2Work program which helped him complete his construction apprenticeship and discussed how to achieve his goal of getting into construction design.
Rohan was in the fourth year of his apprenticeship when his accident occurred and was unsure if he would be able to complete it.
Rohan said he wants to continue his active lifestyle now that he’s back home.
“I want to keep pushing myself to the limits to see what I can achieve,” he said.
“My biggest goal is to compete in the Olympics one day.
“I just have to prove to myself that I can do it.”
You can help make a difference to the lives of people like Rohan and help them find ‘their more’. You can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.spinal.com.au/donate and help change the lives of people with spinal cord damage.