Finally a reason to SMILE AGAIN

After the worst year of her life, Jane Enright found ways to turn things around

- FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK

They say bad things come in threes, and for me that couldn’t be more true.

Four years ago, my world turned upside down when I was dealt three devastating blows in quick succession that changed my life forever.

In April 2017, I’d gone with one of my two sons to watch a volleyball match. Out of nowhere, I was hit on the head with a ball, which left me bleeding and in a state of confusion.

Within days, it became apparent the injury I’d sustained was far more serious than just a little knock to the head. My speech, hearing and memory were affected, and I’d forget what I was talking about mid-sentence. My memory was hazy, and I was unable to find the right words. Neurologists ran tests and, eventually, I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

It was absolutely devastating. I’d spent 25 years building a career as a strategic planner, helping businesses problem-solve and navigate change. I gave talks for a living, but now, with my brain injury, that was no longer possible and I was forced to give up the job I loved.

My fiancé Clayton was very supportive, and he tried his best to motivate me to remain positive. But, just as I started to feel better about things, Clayton had his own horrific accident.

Another crisis

In January 2018, eight months after I’d suffered the TBI, I found Clayton semiconscious at our home. I had no idea what had happened, but there was blood coming from his head.

He was rushed to hospital, where he was monitored in the Intensive Care Unit, and with the help of doctors, we pieced together the cause of his injury.