40 Birthdays, 40 Kilometres, Endless Gratitude

By Reece Crawford

You know, life has a funny way of knocking you down just to show you how strong you really are.

When I was 28, I spent 12 days in a coma — 12 days that could have been my last. I woke up broken, battered, with a brain injury that changed my life. I had to learn everything again. How to walk, how to talk, how to eat, even how to hold up my own head and sit unsupported.

Pre and post injury, between all the struggles of life and the bigger challenges, life gave me more gifts than I can comprehend. I am married to the most beautiful woman — inside and out — and together we built a life full of laughter and chaos, and have raised two amazing humans who remind me every day why I fought so hard to come back.

Now, I get to walk into the very hospital that once saved my life — not as a patient, but as part of the team. Every shift, I’m surrounded by people who gave me a second chance, and I get to pay it forward in ways words can’t describe.

So yeah… there have been bad times. But the good? The good has been unbelievable. 40 years in, and I’m still standing — grateful, humbled, and ready for whatever comes next.

So let's talk about what's coming next.

In January I'll be turning 40. How would a regular person celebrate turning 40? Cake, party, dinner.

I'll party with my mates when they join me for parts or all of a 40 kilometre run to celebrate the milestone birthday I nearly didn't get to see. That distance will build an appetite, I hope someone plans cake and food.

My Achievements

75% of fundraising goal

Raised $100

Raised $500