Stories
Tracheostomy patients and families have shared their inspiring stories for the benefit of others.
Every patient journey and story is unique. We share these stories with gratitude to those who have agreed for us to do so. Thank-you for telling your story to illuminate the path for others.
Vale Gerard Stevenson
Gerard was a giant of a man, a generous and energetic spirit who inspired everyone he met, all over the world. Gerard and his loving wife Sue worked with the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative, advocating for patients with lived experience of tracheostomy.
In a video he created after his spinal cord injury, Gerard eloquently tells his story and how he was an integral part of his care team. He explains the importance of being involved in his own education and the education of his care team.
One of Gerard’s dreams was to create Food Forest Garden, an immersive food forest garden for the residents of The Ventilator Accommodation Support Service Yooralla. To learn more about the Food Forest Project and how you can help, visit the link below.
Pina Tuteri
She shares her advice for other patients and families.
Daisy Xu
Be sure to access to Daisy’s story – you will be richer for having listened to her message to other patients, families and care givers. Daisy is also an amazing singer. Click the link to watch her wonderful performance.
Vale Sally Messer
Our dear friend Sally will forever be remembered for her remarkable courage, sheer determination and will remain an inspiration to so many.
Sally and her mother Jenny were valued partners in Austin Health Tracheostomy Workshops, Symposiums, Webinars and work on Safer Care Victoria. Thank-you for always going the extra mile to assist us and for sharing your remarkable story.
Colin and Jenny Gray
He remains extremely active in his rural community and has made a big difference in countless lives. TRAMS is so grateful to Colin and Jenny, for their participation in our Tracheostomy Workshops, Webinars and Symposiums.
Peter and Sue Stickney
Hear about Peter’s brave journey from surviving cancer to adjusting to and thriving with a tracheostomy to be at home with his beautiful family.
Andrew Fellows
TRAMS lost a great friend when Andrew passed away in December 2019.
Prior to his passing his strong resilient spirit, remarkably artistic eye and gentle approach to living had a profound impact on the Austin Health staff who had the privilege of getting to know him. It is an honour to share his story.
Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Andrew had also being dealing with progressive loss of vision as a result of retinitis pigmentosa. He had only 8% vision in one eye and was completely blind in the other and needed the assistance of his faithful companion and guide dog Leo to navigate the world.
