About me

Michelle Newland is a amazing young woman on a mission! She has a remarkable story of recovery to share and is determined to reach as many people as possible, to help inspire others to face obstacles presented in their lives with courage and strength.

At the age of 19, Michelle had everything a young woman could hope for, a loving family, great group of friends, she had just completed the first year of her primary teaching degree, which had been her life long dream and she had a part time job. With her bubbly, tenatious character, Michelle was living life to the full.

Three days after celebrating her 19th Birthday, she suffered a massive asthma attack and died in her mother’s arms. The prompt response of her parents (Ann and Vic Newland) and the skill of the emergency medical team saw Michelle revived at hospital – her brain had been deprived of oxygen for 10 minutes. Michelle was left with a severe acquired brain injury. Her entire life changed in an instant. She lost the ability to walk, talk, eat, communicate, laugh, cry and she even lost her memory.

Through sheer determination, tremendous courage and painstaking therapy, Michelle has defied all the odds. With the amazing strength and support of her loving family, friends and carers, Michelle has reached goals that the medical staff said were “impossible”.

View a short story of Michelle’s recovery by clicking on the multimedia image below: