Comments on: V – Day

By: Moana Tuuta

Moana Tuuta — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:59:58 +0000

I remember watching Mike Sabin and your family on Campbell Live and crying uncontrollably. My grandson had been critically injured by a rugby tackle on April 10th 2010 and was still in a coma. But although the prognosis was not good I began to have hope. His journey has been very similar and although he still has some way to go, I feel we have been very privileged to have been part of it .
I slept on the little sofa’s in Wellingtons ICU and it was comfortable compared to the emotional turmoil. Then my visit to rehab in Auckland filled me with pride in my grandson and the love of his devoted mother and Joshua’s family.Josh and I have some very interesting conversations once again. He will be 20 on the 19th of Sept., this year. Not much difference in age either.

By: Kelly Mason

Kelly Mason — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:32:57 +0000

Hi, I have heard about Darryl quite a bit through the last couple of months and wish to let you guys he is an inspiration to all and how you can never give up and just take each day as it comes.
I have not seen the Campbell Live yet but have been told about it and will sit down with my son to watch this with him one day soon.
Mike, I can totally relate to you.
I am the mother of a young 19 year old boy who also lives for Rugby. My son is 19 years old and was airlifted to Wellington ICU from Blenheim on 10th of April 2010 after being tackled on the field.
I live in Auckland and flew straight to Wellington (even beating him there) once I knew and had spoken with the doctor in Blenheim and realised my son was in a life/death situation.
I stayed in Wellington until my son Josh was out of critical condition and I could bring him to Auckland to be with me and his family.
Your photos have stunned me as my son has just been released from the same rehab on the 1st July 2010 and like you guys I totally understand your journey.
My son is my miracle. He has been told he is not able to play contact sports again and this is hard for him to accept but I am truly thankful as I have the same worries as you and know what it is like to have a stubborn son who just wants to do what they love.
How are you guys and Darryl doing now?
With head injuries, it is hard as not many people truly understand the seriousness or do they understand that even though a person looks fine they are not on the inside. I think this is going to be our hardest part of the recovery.
I would love to hear from you.

From another parent
Kelly

By: Emily

Emily — Sun, 30 May 2010 23:32:53 +0000

Hi Sabin family.

I hope Darryl is still going full steam ahead. We’d just like to wish you all a merry christmas and a very happy new year.

Best wishes, Sue Gibbons and Family

By: donna

donna — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:06:16 +0000

i had head injury from stroke 3yrs ago lost all my motor skills never gave up cant keep good person down your story had me in tears have been their you can only admire anyone who fought back from deaths door allthe best for the rest of your life yes u do have one

By: lisa

lisa — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:21:49 +0000

hi there my name is Lisa I watched this truly moving story of Darryl Sabin on Campbell live tonight 29th April 2010 i am so inspired by how much determination and strength you have Darryl & how much love and support you have from your family & friends good on you buddy you truly are such an awesome guy i couldn’t help but shed a tear my son is 16 and plays rugby i know how much young guys love the sport i pray every time he plays that he is safe on and off the field i wish you all the very best for you and your family…. blessings always xxxx

By: Racey Tracey

Racey Tracey — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:09:34 +0000

Hi Darryl, great story dude! Keep going, you made me cry again and laugh lots. Your dad rocks and you are so lucky to have him with you. Catch up soon, love racey Tracey!!

By: Hope

Hope — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:45:46 +0000

You made me laugh, you made me cry, but most of all you made me proud of YOU! Well done Darryl! Fantastic real life, close to your heart, story Brooke. What a lucky man Darryl is, to have a most fantastic Family. Can’t wait to see your full recovery unfold.

By: Kylie

Kylie — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:15:23 +0000

Wow Darryl what an inspirational guy you are!! Fab story on TV 3 and amazing progress.

By: Jude T

Jude T — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:20:52 +0000

Lest we forget! Nothing is impossible eh? Well done – 1 year on.
JT

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:57:16 +0000

Hi Darryl and Mike

I heard both of you being interviewed on National Radio this morning. Good on you for sharing your story and your journey.

Hang in Darryl. Our bodies, including our brains. have an amazing capacity to heal.

In 1996 my brain was seriously damaged as the result of a virus. At that time, two neurologists gave no hope of any recovery.

I have since discovered that in 1998 Prof Richard Faull, of Auckland University, and his team were the first in the world to prove that we generate new brain cells. Richard was awarded the Rutherford Science Award, NZ’s top science award, last year. I only learned of Richard’s research about two years ago. I found it so encouraging and strongly belief that having a window of hope is like a light at the end of the tunnel.

I wrote to Richard and faxed a copy of my brain scan report to him. I am fortunate to have had a chat with Richard and he said that I, and many others like me, are proof that their research is true.

I’m writing to encourage you to keep in going. I know that for many years I felt that I would never have an enjoyable life. At one point I was unable to read or write and if someone spoke to me my concentration span was a maximum of two sentences. After six years I was able to use a computer again. I still can’t read or write for very long, but I can for a short time. I value everything that I had lost and regained. It has all taken time. I read in a book called Quantum Wellness a great sentence, that said something like “lean towards what you want”

Recently I smashed my little finger in the wardrobe sliding door. It has taken many months to grow out and it is now almost repaired. As I’ve watched it heal, I have marvelled at the body’s capacity to heal.

Looking back, it was my fear of never being well enough to enjoy life that really sapped my energy and every day my negative thoughts poisoned my day.

Darryl and Mike I honour the guts you both have and know that with the right beliefs, dedication and making the best of every day that we get there. We may never be who we were. We may never do the things that we did before, but we sure can reach a place where we feel life is worth living and precious.

I have learned to adjust to my new life. So far, I have not been able to return to work, yet I realise that life comes in many shapes and forms and that my life is worth living, even with limitations. My life is filled with laughter and love. I continue to do the best I can to improve, but now enjoy life as it is right now, in the moment.

I have found acupuncture extremely beneficial and have read, on a number of occasions, that acupunture is beneficial to the brain.

I go to a chinese acupunturist and herbalist, at Bellevue Health Centre in Mt Eden, in Auckland (phone 630-6331). Many of his patients take only the herbs. Some because they don’t like needles and others because they live some distance away or overseas. He has helped people with an amazing range of ailments. I have recommended him to many people and all feel that they have benefitted.

I recently met a lady that does work to repair the brain. Her website is http://www.family-focus.co.nz Her name is Noeline Levinson and she uses sound therapy to evoke changes in the brain. I have not tried her treatment, but she was suggested to me by a friend.
Perhaps next year I will investigate it further.

Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to sense what feels right for you and to give it a go for long enough to have a chance of helping. Many things that have benefitted me, took a long time to show results.

Initially I tried to reason, in my head, what choices to make. After a few years I learned to follow my gut instinct, including when to start and when to stop. I also listened to every suggestions and kept all information offered to me. I have boxes full of stuff. I heard a doctor on the radio say that after the brain that the gut has the most nerves and that is why it is called the second brain. If my gut response was to try something, I would then shift to my head to look at the logistics of it all. How was I going to get there and could I afford the treatment.

I look forward to revisiting your blog and reading of your progress, that I am confident will continue to expand.

If you want to write and ask me anything you are most welcome.

Love and blessings to you Darryl and all your family and friends
Gail