Brain injury sufferer builds support network in agriculture

A workplace accident where her horse spooked then bucked over the top of her has changed daily life for RaeLea Foley.

A WORKPLACE accident where her horse spooked then bucked over the top of her has changed daily life for RaeLea Foley.

“I took the worst of the impact to my head and right leg,” she said.

“The blow to my head was enough force for the helmet to crack leaving me with a scar and a lot of internal damage.”

From a property near Dalby, Queensland, she was rushed to hospital, then flown to Brisbane - she woke up about eight hours later in intense pain with no memory of the fall. However, the real hard work was still ahead of her.

From that moment on RaeLea dedicated herself to her recovery, with a goal of getting back to her job as a livestock hand. Twelve months on and she still has short-term memory loss, hearing loss, regular headaches and blurry vision in one eye, among a host of other symptoms.

The 21-year-old, however, doesn’t believe she is alone.

Determined to raise awareness about brain injury, she has decided to form a group Dust off Brain Bust to support those working in agriculture with injury.

RaeLea Foley mustering cattle, the 21-year-old has spent the last few years working in agriculture. Picture: Supplied

In her opinion, the industry is lagging behind in its effort to support those in recovery, or offering pathways for those living with an injury to be involved in the sector. After five weeks off work after her accident in June last year, she returned to her old job - but due to her injury could not work at the same level.

“When I first went back to work there were a couple of people that were understanding and helpful but overall the company wasn't very supportive,” she said.

“I got thrown back into full duties and was expected to be back on my horses working full pace on the first day.

“When I came back there were a lot of new faces, and many didn't understand how I was prior or what had happened so they were annoyed, in a sense, in my inability to do something.”

She stayed working as livestock hand, and then this year moved to South Australia to work on a large cattle property as a jillaroo. She absolutely loved her job, but the physical nature and long hours weren’t sustainable while she was in recovery.

“Doctors told me, one more knock could do serious damage. To a point, this made me nervous about my job and I over analysed every little thing I did,” she said. “I had issues arise after a while because I was riding (motorbikes) for long days each week mustering cattle.

“That means pressure on my head from the helmet, for up to 10 hours a day, with the constant noise from the bike and a two-way (radio) in my ear.”

Now based near Gatton, Queensland, determined to stay within the industry, she has obtained her truck licence and is keen to find work within the livestock transport industry.

“A major drive for me in creating this venture Dust Off Brain Bust is to get people talking about this issue and to educate,” she said.

RaeLea Foley after her accident while working as a livestock hand. Picture: Supplied

“In all my jobs since the accident a recurring thing is … employers and managers simply have no experience working with someone that has either a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) or Brain Injury. More staff need to be educated on working with someone that has a brain injury.

“Everyone is different but we can't run on the same wavelengths as someone of good health.” In her efforts to launch Dust off Brain Bust, RaeLea has learned there is power in sharing her story.

“People need a support group they can reach out to, to meet others going through the same thing and others with the same struggles mentally and physically.

“Hopefully, inspiration and hope will spark among the group so we can fight the battles together.” The dream goal for the group is to be able to offer financial support to those undergoing treatment and to build a national support network.

Can you help?

RaeLea is keen to hear from anyone willing to support her venture.

Get in touch through her social media accounts at “Rae - Aussie Cowgirl” on Facebook and raelea_foley on Instagram.