Fabian's story

I was born in Argentina and migrated to Australia when I was one. I grew up in Mascot playing football. Then I lost my leg in a motorbike accident. When I woke up in hospital, I had no idea what had happened. My wife told me, “You’ve lost your leg.” I looked under the sheets and realised it was gone.

There was never a day I was alone. Someone was always by my bedside, talking me through the steps. I had a strong support base, and later I got into wheelchair sports. I started helping others with similar injuries, encouraging them to join us because it’s good for your headspace.

Without that support network, things could have gone two ways. I hit rock bottom at times – turned to alcohol and drugs, and started losing my family. It got to the point where I thought, “I’ve had enough.” My relationship with my daughter was strained, and when she opened up about the trauma I caused, it broke me. I never realised the damage I was doing. That was another turning point – I needed to change, not just for me but for my family.

I lost years of good times because I bottled everything up. I thought it was embarrassing to ask for help – that I had to be strong enough to push through. But we’re not always as strong as we think. Now I can talk openly because everyone needs someone. Talk to somebody. Talk to whoever you have to. Once you get it out, it’s so much easier.