Meet our 'Royalty'
Stories from patients, staff, families and fundraisers who explain why supporting research and patient-care initiatives is important to them.
Angus, RBWH brain injury patient
A fun night out with friends turned into a real-life nightmare for Brisbane resident, Angus, when his attempt to break up a street fight left him with a skull fracture, vertebrae fracture, brain injury and permanent hearing loss in his left ear.
"It's a pretty special thing for your life to be saved. The team at RBWH played a pivotal part in why I was able to recover so well after my injury.
I would hope everyone understands the important research that goes on behind the scenes at the Royal, as without it I don't know where I would be today."
Tamara, RBWH Emergency Department Nurse
"I was raised in a very generous, giving and caring family, which is always willing to help others. Now, in my position as a nurse, I see a lot of people in vulnerable and life-altering situations, and I see how important donations are to their lives. Having the RBWH Foundation behind us, as staff, really helps us do our job a whole lot better."
Juliette, RBWH patient
When Juliette was diagnosed with small bowel volvulus and suspected ischaemic bowel (parts of her stomach and bowel were dying), she was flown into the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) on a rescue helicopter.
Juliette proceeded to spend more than 5 months in hospital, requiring multiple surgeries and a long recovery.
"I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for the donors to RBWH Foundation who enable the biggest hospital in Queensland to achieve positive outcomes for patients like me."
Vicki, former RBWH patient
When Upper Caboolture primary school principal Vicki was diagnosed with skull base cancer in 2018, the outlook for people with this cancer was so grim that Vicki's GP warned her not to google it.
"My life was going along really nicely then one ordinary day a doctor is mentioning my name with the C word in it, " said Vicki.
At the time, her only wish was to live long enough to hold newborn twin granddaughters, Maisie and Millie. But thanks to the extraordinary contributions to RBWH skull base cancer research, the survival rate for patients like Vicki has improved from 40% to almost 90% in two years post-treatment.
Vicki has now survived skull base cancer twice - and appreciates every day with her family. Those little granddaughters are now over 4 years old.
"Cancer can happen to anybody so we need to put as much money into research as we possible can."
Reece, former RBWH patient (and current Physio Assistant)
In 2014 Reece's life changed in an instant when he was hit by a car while riding a motor scooter home from work. The amazing neurosurgical team at RBWH not only saved his life but inspired a career change. Reece is now a Physiotherapy Assistant at RBWH and one of our most commited fundraisers.
At one stage, Reece thought he would never walk again, now he has found a passion for running and fitness, and uses fundraising to clock up generous donations from his network of supporters.
Alanna Geary, Metro North Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
When it comes to championing 'Team Royal', Metro North Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alanna Geary literally walks the walk.
A marathon mission to raise awareness and funding, dubbed 'Catch the Chief' saw her walk almost 200km on a treadmill over six days, raising an impressive $6,000 for the RBWH Foundation.
"Research provides the context for how we work as nurses and midwives," said Alanna.
"We put research into clinical practice and ensure that what we are providing is up-to-date, evidence based, and enables us to provide the best possible care for patients who come through our doors."
Share your story with us!
The best way to inspire others to get involved is by sharing your own stories of challenge and triumph. To share your story, simply fill out the form below and remember to tag us in your photos #RoyalRunforResearch.
