A Caboolture mother is fighting for her life after a harrowing fall down a staircase on NRL grand final night, which resulted in near-fatal brain damage. Taleese Penna’s husband, Shane Penna, is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back home to their three children.
Shortly after the NRL grand final on 1 Oct 2023, Taleese’s lost her balance while descending a steep stairwell at a friend’s house. She tumbled down the railing, impacting the back of her head on hard tiles.
Their three children, Flynn, Kora, and Azaylah, were present at the time of the accident. Mrs. Penna was immediately rushed to The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she underwent emergency brain surgery to address swelling and clots in her brain.
A High-Impact Brain Injury
Doctors compared Taleese’s brain injury to one sustained in a high-speed car accident, highlighting the severity of the fall.
“I’ve had a very emotional week, the worst of my life,” Shane said. “She was very close to not being with us. We’ve had great recovery actions; she’s listening and taking verbal commands. She’s a fighter, a concreter’s daughter.”
Taleese remains hospitalised, and it will take at least a year to assess the extent of her brain functionality recovery. Surgeons have performed two surgeries on her brain and skull to address swelling and clots, underlining the complexity and seriousness of her condition.
A Family in Crisis
Shane, who works as a chief engineer and FIFO worker at Sea Swift, Northern Australia’s largest shipping company, now faces the challenge of caring for his wife and children. Unfortunately, he cannot return to work for the foreseeable future.
In 2015, while living in Hervey Bay, the Pennas developed the dTec Safekam, a gadget designed to send out alerts when someone is locked in a car or when the car is involved in a crash. This innovation was born out of concern for their child’s safety, and they even filmed an ad campaign for it, although no investors came forward to support their invention.
A family friend, Alanna Sherratt, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Caboolture mother and her family. The funds raised will cover Taleese’s extended rehabilitation costs, groceries, school fees, and other essential expenses whilst Shane takes time off work to care for his wife and children.
The Penna family now faces an uncertain future as they rally together to support Taleese’s recovery and their journey towards healing.
Published 11-Oct-2023
