Stories & Achievements: Kynan’s Story
Kynan’s story: one of a kind
How has COVID-19 affected you in 2020?
I haven’t been too worried about COVID. I just get on with whatever’s happening from day to day. I don’t worry about too many things, unless it’s worth worrying about. You just deal with the circumstances. I’ve always been like that. You can’t have everything and that’s just the way life is. But I am looking forward to COVID being over and I’m not the only one!
What do you enjoy doing?
I have missed some of the social activities (due to coronavirus) but you have to just deal with the situations. Some of my favourite activities are just going out because I like being active. I like to go to the gym or just go for a walk. Or a coffee or two. I like to go to the beach or the waterfront for a walk with my support workers. I like to have a swim too. We just talk about what’s going on, it doesn’t have to be any particular subject. I just go with the flow.
What caused your brain injury?
I had a brain tumour at the stem of my brain when I was a kid. I was seven and a half. I had surgery at a kids hospital in Sydney. I had to have ray therapy and chemotherapy. So I started losing my sight. Some if it through the brain tumour and then more as I got older. I still went to year 11 at school. But by around nineteen years old I had lost most of my vision. I don’t have any pain, thankfully. I used to have a shunt system to drain the fluid from my brain but I don’t have that problem any more. I can basically tell light from dark but can’t tell colours apart.
What’s it like living with impaired vision?
I just live with what I’ve got. It’s like everything – everybody has a good day or a bad day. You just deal with the circumstances you have. Because you don’t have sight I rely on my other senses like listening or smelling. If I need help I’ll ask, if someone’s around. Normally I’m with someone if I go out like a support worker. If I’m walking outside I use my cane but I really need support.
What do you want to achieve?
Just be myself. I just enjoy life itself, whatever it may be.
How long have you been with Headstart?
I don’t know but it’s been many years! I’ve dealt with many people during that time. With the groups that I’ve been around they are the best, that’s why I stay with Headstart.
What do your support workers mean to you?
They mean a lot! They help me with whatever circumstances that I need help. I’m very thankful for any assistance that I get.
My family are also a good support to me. I couldn’t find anyone better than my mum. I wouldn’t swop her! I have my two sisters too. Any family you have are good to hold on to, because you only get one family.
“Until you’ve lived in someone else’s shoes you don’t really understand brain injury. Everybody has a different story, everybody is different. Just be yourself!”
Get to know Kynan:
Favourite food: Food in general! Pasta probably.
Favourite sport/team: St George. I’ve supported them since I was a kid. I lived in Sydney when I was younger.
Favourite hobby: I like the radio or listening to music.
Favourite band/music: I like a bit of everything. I like the old AC/DC.
Three words to describe you: I’m just myself. That’s for other people to decide.
Exercise time! You’ll often see Kynan at the beach, or else at his family home with pet dog Macy
