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‘My goal was to walk again. 20 years old, tell me I couldn’t do that and we weren’t friends.’ When Rhiannon Tracey became a quadriplegic, the trauma never stripped her of her hope. Through incredible determination and fearlessness, Rhiannon has turned that life-changing accident into opportunity, as she opened her own spinal cord recovery facility. Here we find out how she got through the darkest times, to follow her dreams. And ponder the question, does everything happen for a reason?
Resources:
The story of how Stephenie Meyer came up with Twilight
About Rhiannon Tracey
On September 18, 2009, just months away of her 21st birthday, Rhiannon Tracey’s life took a dramatic turn on a dream vacation in Bali. A diving accident left her as a C-5 quadriplegic, with little hope of ever walking again. Yet, two years down the line, Rhiannon defied medical expectations, astonishing everyone by regaining the ability to walk short distances with crutches. In 2012, with her mother Sharyn’s support, she founded The Next Steps, as a not-for-profit organisation. In 2014, after much sweat and spirit, they opened The Next Steps Spinal Cord Recovery Centre in Thomastown, Victoria, supporting those with neurological disorders who want to obtain greater quality of life and regain independence. Throughout her journey dedicated to helping other, Rhiannon has been awarded a string of prestigious accolades, including the title of Young Australian of the Year in 2012.
Find the moment you're seeking
02:57 How Rhiannon has learned to be the light in the room, and what impact has her neurodivergence had on who she is.
04:45 Rhiannon tells the story of how she became a quadriplegic.
07:24 The moment Rhiannon nearly died in Denpasar hospital.
11:50 Does everything happen for a reason? Rhiannon, Mimi and Jo agree to disagree.
14:58 Rhiannon’s marriage breakup – an even harder trauma than becoming a quadriplegic.
16:46 Do we need to go through what we go through to be who we are?
18:34 What has made Rhiannon so resilient?
20:12 Rhiannon opens her own Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Program, and how did Jo and Rhiannon’s paths cross 15 years ago?
28:49 The importance of hope.
30:19 Talking manifesting – vision vs action.
32:07 The moment when Rhiannon lost hope, and how was it restored?
37:20 Our Origin Story of something well known – this time, The Twilight Series!
39:15 The power of dreams and a big rap for Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic.
43:38 Rhiannon’s advice on finding your purpose.
Meet Jo
Jo Stanley is Founder and CEO at Broad Radio – radio for women, by women. Comedian, author, MC, speaker. Co-host of The House of Wellness TV and Radio. Hope messenger. Equality warrior. Mother, wife, awesome friend.
Broad Radio Insta • Broad Generation Insta • Broad Radio Web
Say hi to Mimi
Mimi is the Author of House of Kwa, Journalist, MC, Facilitator, Keynote, Mum of four, studying to become a mindfulness mediation teacher, also did architecture at university and didn’t become an architect. Quite a good friend.
BUY House of Kwa • Mimi Kwa Web