‘Everything changed’: Aussie couple’s miracle Christmas

After almost losing her husband, last year’s festive season was a nightmare for Australian jazz singer Emma Pask, but this year things look brighter.

Last festive season was a living nightmare for Aussie jazz singer Emma Pask and her husband but this year things are looking brighter.

On December 9 2023, the Voice contestant Ms Pask’s world was turned upside down after her husband, Rodrigo Ocana nearly lost his life and was left paralysed following a horrific motorcycle accident.

The 39-year-old spent nearly eight months in hospital as he healed from extensive injuries including a broken back, fractured jaw and sternum, eight broken ribs, a shattered shoulder blade and broken right arm.

“It’s certainly a brighter Christmas than it was last year, it was incredibly tough physically and mentally for both of us,” Ms Pask told The Daily Telegraph.

Rod Ocana and Emma Pask are enjoying a much brighter Christmas this year. Photo: Tom Parrish

“To think that it’s been a year since then, and here we are out of hospital and Rod can actually eat his Christmas lunch so we’ve got his seafood ready and ready to spend it with some friends and family.”

While 2024 has truly tested their wedding vows, Ms Pask said she feels closer to her husband than ever before.

Emma Pask and Rod Ocana, who was rendered paraplegic after a horrific motorbike incident, are happy to be out of hospital for Christmas. Photo: Tom Parrish

“We’ve grown a lot together in the past 12 months, I’ve certainly really witnessed a deeper depth to my husband, knowing that he can experience such a horrific accident the way he has and work through it all with such determination is incredible.,” she said.

“My admiration for him is growing hour by hour, day by day.”

As 2024 comes to a wrap, Ms Pask and Mr Ocano are filled with gratitude for the many people who supported the pair throughout their journey, those they know and those they may never meet.

“There were so many people we wanted to thank along with all the incredible support we received from the chuffed donation … their help was invaluable.”