Only three months ago, Adam Cook was planning a trip to New Zealand and getting excited about riding his new motorbike.
But then things took an unexpected turn.
Mr Cook, 26, of Kirrawee, was in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with a friend on January 28 when he fell eight metres down an embankment, impaling himself on a tree.
He was airlifted to hospital for lifesaving surgery to treat his seven broken ribs, severed spinal cord and a punctured lung.
His injuries to his spinal cord were too severe, resulting in Mr Cook becoming a complete paraplegic – paralysed from the waist down.
Doctors say he will not be able to walk again, because he has no control or feeling below his spinal cord.
But he is determined to regain his strength through physiotherapy.
To help him regain independence and financial stability, he launched a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising $70,000 to help cover the costs of specialised equipment and modifications to his home, car and a wheelchair.
More than $45,000 has been raised so far.
“I was pretty hesitant to set this up at first because it was such a big adjustment facing my injuries,” he said.
“But once it set in I got a clearer picture of what life would look like and what expenses there were.
“I started to think I’m going to need more than emotional support to gain back my independence.
“I don’t know how much is needed, I just put a number out there to see how I’d go, and the response so far has been nothing short of amazing.”
He says the unfortunate turn of events has been “bitter sweet.”
“My spine snapped in half, but it saved my life because the tree stopped me from falling a further 10 metres.
“The second thing I asked doctors, after if I’d walk again, was if I had brain damage. They said ‘no’. That was positive because it meant I was the same person who can still live a relatively normal life, and that’s important to me.
“I won’t be able to do sports I love like hiking, but I’m alive so that’s a silver lining.”
Mr Cook says money raised will also go towards his future plans of starting a family.
“There are so many issues with a spinal injury that go beyond not being able to walk, such as sexual function. I’d like to put some money away for IVF,” he said.
“My girlfriend Amy has been nothing short of amazing. We’re facing this together and that’s made my mental state and rehab so much easier.”
There will be a fundraising event at 7.30pm on June 16 at Gymea Bowling Club, to thank the community for their support.
Follow Adam Cook’s journey on Instagram @mission2walk
