'Miracle needed': Sunshine Coast man's life hangs in the balance

Almost two months have passed since Chris Brace was struck by a car on Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, and he remains "unresponsive”.

Caloundra man Chris Brace, 21, remains in a Brisbane hospital, still fighting for his life after an accident on Aerodrome Rd in Maroochydore in January.

LIKE most 21-year-olds, Chris Brace had the world at his feet at the start of the new year.

He partied with loved ones bringing in 2019 and was set for a promotion in his fly-in, fly-out job in South Australia.

Just six days in the year and his life and future were thrown into turmoil.

In the early hours of January 6, he was walking home from a mate's place on Aerodrome Road, when he was struck by a passing car.

He suffered critical injuries and would have died if the motorist behind the wheel had not stopped and called emergency services.

At the time, he was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital by paramedics and then flown to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital for further treatment.

21-year-old Caloundra man Chris Brace remains in a Brisbane hospital, still fighting for his life after a horrible accident on Aerodrome Road in Maroochydore in January.

Almost two months on, the Caloundra man remains "unresponsive” in hospital.

His heartbroken father Dave said his son initially had spent 17 days in the intensive care unit and needs a "miracle” to make it.

"Doctors have said it's a unique case and that he should be dead,” Mr Brace said.

"He has suffered multiple strokes since the crash and it caused his brain to swell.

"It's highly likely he will end up in a high-care facility as he is still in a vegetated state.

"The doctors gave him a 20 per cent chance of surviving. Any infection could be it.”

Since Chris's horrible injury, the Sunshine Coast and Catholic community have come to the Brace family's aid.

A GoFundMe Page has been set up to assist with the family's mounting expenses.

Already $11,000 has been raised.

"He's an extremely fun-loving, caring kid. He'd give you the shirt off his back even after knowing you for five minutes,” Chris's father said.

"Just a genuine fella. Loved adventuring, the gym, 4x4s and fishing.”

Happier times: Chris, Dave and his older brother Dave Brace at Christmas.

The devout Catholic family has been at Chris's bedside daily.

"He is still non-responsive. He can't talk, can't see. He can open his eyes and we know he is fighting,” Mr Brace said.

"Neurologically, there's been no progress.

"But we can't see him giving up. It's not in our nature.”

While Mr Brace said his son's condition was not improving, he had seen a glimmer of hope through a private prayer session.

"Last Saturday, a priest and a minister for prayer prayed over him, asking for a gift of healing,” he said.

"And something happened. The reaction of Chris was special. He was in complete rest.

"That 100 per cent gives you hope. Where there is light, there is always hope.”