With no health insurance, many talented, young indigenous hopefuls often face the prospect of watching their hopes and aspirations fade away following a serious injury.
However, two leading Sunshine Coast orthopaedic surgeons are doing what they can to ensure these kids have every opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
When 20 year old Tye suffered an ACL and MCL injury he knew he was in trouble.
“To be honest, I thought I would have to hang my footy boots up,” he said.
The local doctor in his hometown of Townsville had delivered some devastating news. In order to get the surgery, he would need that would see him able to return to the field the following year, Tye needed to find $15,000 – money he simply didn’t have.
Devastated by the news Tye was preparing to bid farewell to football when a chance encounter with an old friend provided a glimmer of hope.
“I was stuck figuring out what to do and a friend told me about The Sporting Chance Foundation. He had received surgery from these doctors who help indigenous kids, and it didn’t cost him anything. It sounded too good to be true,” Tye said.
Armed with this information Tye went back to see his doctor who made the referral.
Two weeks later Tye received the call that confirmed he had been successful and another two weeks later he was on a plane to the Sunshine Coast where he underwent surgery.
Dr Daevyd Rodda is the Chairman and Founder of The Sporting Chance Foundation and, together with Director, Dr Shane Blackmore are the doctors who performed the surgery on Tye, noting he was the perfect candidate.
“Being able to perform this surgery to help young kids who would not have otherwise been able to afford it, is our way of giving back,” Dr Blackmore said.
“It’s a team effort though. The Sporting Chance Foundation covers the cost of the flights, accommodation, and surgery and the hospital donates the theatre time. Tye’s surgery was performed at Buderim Private Hospital, and we are grateful for the way everyone collaborates to ensure a successful outcome for the patient.
“These types of injuries can end the careers of talented young players like Tye, and we have the skills and resources to make a difference so we do what we can,” Dr Blackmore said.
Tye, who is a youth worker in Townsville knows that he has been given a second chance.
“I am so thankful that I heard about Sporting Chances. The doctors are great and my promise to them is that I am going to come back bigger and better.
“I want to be a role model for the young kids I work with and playing sport provides an avenue that creates opportunities and opens doors for indigenous kids. I am so happy I can continue to play footy,” Tye said.
Drs Rodda and Blackmore know they helping and are immensely proud of the charity that to date has helped over 30 indigenous kids.
“We are making a difference in the lives of these young indigenous kids and it’s not just football players we are helping. We also see boxers and runners and will continue to help as many of them as we can.”
Donations to Sporting Chances can be made via their sportingchancefoundation.com.au/
