A Quick Introduction
Hi there, my name is Morgan. I am twenty-four years old, I live in sub-tropical Queensland, Australia. I happen to have a few disabilities which make my life a little more challenging than the average person.
My Traumatic Entry into the World
My entry into the world was quite traumatic for both my parents and me. I should have been in my Mum’s tummy for forty-weeks, but at twenty-eight-weeks, my Mum had severe complications with the pregnancy - Placental Abruption, and I had to be delivered in an emergency. I suffered from the loss of oxygen as the umbilical cord was wrapped around my throat. The doctors and nurses at the hospital thought I was Indigenous because my skin colour was black from bruising. As a result of the prematurity, I spent a lot of time in Neonatal Intensive care. Mum and I were very sick, and we are both fortunate to be alive. I spent four months in the hospital and had many procedures including Neurosurgery for an Intraventricular Haemorrhage which led to Hydrocephalus. The surgeons had to equip me with a Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt to relieve the increased pressure inside my brain which consequently blocked eight times over the first four years of my life.
My Diagnosis
Over the first few years of my life, I spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital for various problems and many appointments with specialists. As a result of this, I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, mild to moderate Autism, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy - Spastic Diplegia, Epilepsy, and Legally Blind. I can crawl, and I can walk very short distances if someone holds both of my hands, but I usually get around in a manual wheelchair.
Travel is my Passion
Travel is right up there as one of my favourite things. I have travelled many times throughout Australia but going to Indonesia was something else! I love meeting and talking to new people. It’s hard work for my parents pushing me around rough terrain in my wheelchair, but I think it’s worth the effort for all of us to see and do as much as we can, it makes us all happy! I can’t wait to explore more of the world.
Like to Read More?
Along with my parents, Daniel and Jodi, we spend lots of time working on our blog – rollinadventures.com I hope you enjoy reading as we share our wheelchair travel stories and life’s challenges.
