(2021-2024)
In April 2021, Chloe and Geoff Seymour's lives were turned upside down when their son, Taz, was involved in a severe motorbike accident. The incident left Taz with multiple skull fractures, a collapsed lung, and an unknown amount of internal bleeding. His helmet had been caught and pulled from his head, leaving him vulnerable to these traumatic injuries. Taz was given a Glasgow coma score of three, which is the lowest possible score and indicates deep unconsciousness and severe brain injury. He was immediately placed in an induced coma to manage his condition.

The family, residing in the small town of Moranbah, QLD, was thrust into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

"We were told by the hospital to gather our family while the plane was enroute, as they felt there was a high chance he may not survive the flight with the unknown amount of trauma to the brain," Chloe recalled. The Royal Flying Doctor Service airlifted Taz to Townsville, with Chloe by his side. Geoff made the six-hour drive alone, not knowing if Taz would survive the flight.

Upon arrival just after midnight, Taz was met by the largest trauma team at Townsville University Hospital. A CT scan was performed to assess the damage and determine if emergency brain surgery was needed. Fortunately, the skull fractures had not displaced too much, and if the bleeding subsided and pressure didn’t increase, surgery could be avoided.

Taz remained in an induced coma in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) until he was stable enough to attempt waking up.

"On the first attempt, he showed no seizure activity, but we had been prepared by the team that the extent of the brain damage would not be known until he was woken," Chloe explained.

Miraculously, Taz opened his eyes and said, "Hey mum, hey dad."

After ten days in a low-light, low-noise room in the paediatric ward, Taz’s condition stabilized enough for the family to transition out of the hospital.

"It was the most distressing experience of our lives and one I wish on no one," Chloe shared.

Throughout this ordeal, Ronald McDonald House provided a crucial support system. "Ronald McDonald House provided us with so much and took the weight off our shoulders in the darkest times."

Once home, the family bravely endured a year of private counselling to cope with the trauma. Even as Taz healed, the risk of another head injury meant he was limited in activities and felt isolated from friends. Despite these challenges, his mental health gradually improved, and he returned to non-contact sports and more normal activities.

"His skull is healed, and his learning is slowly progressing," Chloe said.

Fast forward to March 2024, the Seymour family was blessed with an opportunity to spend a week at the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Palm Cove, North Queensland.

"What can I say but WOW," Chloe exclaimed. "The location is beautiful, the retreat has everything you could need, and the pool was amazing." The family made the most of their trip, visiting the Skyrail, the Cairns Aquarium, the military museum, Port Douglas, and other days spent fishing on the beach. The highlight for Taz was visiting Green Island, where he could snorkel and explore the underwater world.

"This trip brought happiness to our family like you could not imagine," Chloe shared.

"We will forever be grateful for how Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia has helped us so much."

While the trauma remains in the back of her mind, experiences like the Family Retreat help her remember to be grateful for life and the health of her family, a sentiment she urges everyone to consider.

"Forever grateful, the Seymour family."