By Abbey Cannan
This Anzac Day, Sunshine Coast veteran and Legatee, Brett Green is calling on the community to support Legacy’s work.
At just 17-years-old, Brett bravely enlisted in the army, embarking on a life-defining journey that saw him rise through the ranks to become an Army Major.
At age 34, the young Major was sadly diagnosed with brain cancer and epilepsy, leading him to be medically discharged.
“I thought that I was extremely fit and healthy until I developed a headache that I couldn’t shake for a week in late 2013,” he said.
“On that Sunday afternoon, I noticed that my fingers and toes were turning blue, and my wife was about to drive me to the hospital when I had a major seizure that left me unconscious.
“Fortunately, Amber was there to look after me and call the ambulance to get me to the hospital where, after a series of scans, I was eventually told that I had a ‘lesion’ in my brain.
“It took another five to six weeks before I underwent my first surgery, and the medical team confirmed that I had a rare type of brain cancer.
“In the following months, we found out that I had also developed epilepsy as a result of the tumor and/or scar tissue from the surgery, which removed any prospect of me continuing with my Army career.
“To say that we were in shock is an understatement, but I was 34 years old with a wife and son who was still a toddler, so my primary focus was to ensure that my family was taken care of if the worst happened.
“One of the first organisations that I spoke to and who came to sit down and meet us in our lounge room was Legacy.”
Joining Legacy Brisbane at 36-years-old, Brett became one of the organisation’s youngest Legatees.
Brett was guided towards the organisation by his Commander, who benefited from Legacy as a child after he lost his father in the Vietnam War.
Now 44-years-old, residing in Buderim with his wife and 12-year-old son, Brett pours his heart and soul into providing invaluable support to the families of Veterans who have given their lives or health through their service.
“As a Legatee, I engage with the families (primarily widows) of veterans to help Legacy achieve our vision that ‘no dependent of a veteran suffers financial or social disadvantage as a result of their loved ones’ death or injury from service’,” he said.
“Mostly that involves staying in regular contact with my allocated Legacy beneficiaries so that I can understand their needs and advocate for them when appropriate.
“I would encourage anyone who shares this vision, particularly any veterans who may well find that their own family needs Legacy’s support in the future, to consider volunteering with us.
“Even half a day a month is enough to get started on your Legacy journey, but for those who don’t have the time or flexibility to volunteer, you can also assist us by donating to help us keep our promise to the current and future generations of families who need our support.”
For more information or to register your interest in volunteering and donate see legacy.com.au.
