Help Joe recover from a serious spinal injury

Hi, My name is Simon and I am fundraising for Joseph Pouniu. Some of you may have already known or witnessed, 3 weeks ago Joseph suffered a serious spinal cord injury, during a High Performance Gold Coast Titans U17 rugby league game against the Brisbane Broncos in a pre-season trial at the Gold Coast on Saturday 28/01/23. Joe, as known by most, was treated on the field by the club doctor and paramedics before being transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department in Brisbane to treat his catastrophic spinal injury. Joe underwent immediate surgery to stabilise his neck and reattach his c4 and c5 to his spine. Despite the surgery, Joe has suffered major damage to his spinal cord and now faces an enormous battle to be able to regain any movement from his shoulders down.

After 9 days in the Intensive Care Unit Joe was moved to the orthopaedic trauma unit where he has started his rehabilitation journey. He will be here for a month before he moves to the Spinal Ward for extensive rehabilitation. The next 6 months will be critical in determining the extent of his life changing spinal injury.

Joseph’s family had been advised to expect at least 6 months, possibly longer in the hospital, as Joseph has a long road to recovery. Joseph’s family has also been told there is a chance he may never walk again. Whilst it is a possibility, we continue to pray and believe in the power of healing.

Whilst we cannot predict the future or what it holds for Joseph and his family, what we do know is that Joseph is very determined and with such strength and with the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from his family, friends, and the community we are all hoping for the best for him and his

future, mentally and physically.

Joe has a long road ahead of him and he will do everything possible to make the best recovery he can.

Joe is very humbled by the support and love from friends and family. Many have asked how can we help Joe the Titan. To help Joe fight his way back to some sort of quality of life we have started a GoFundMe for loved ones to have a direct hand in helping Joe receive the best care available for his rehabilitation and transition into a living space that has ADA accessibility and equipment. This campaign aims to raise funds to support Joseph and his family during this heartbreaking time and the long road ahead for them all.

A little bit about Joe

Joseph is the eldest of 2. He had so many plans for himself and his future. He was so incredibly focused on his goals. His short-term goal was to get his P’s before his 17th birthday and one of his long-term goals was to finish year 12 at the end of this year and then pursue his rugby career after college.

His friends called him Big Joe, as he stands out so tall amongst his peers. His willingness to give anything a go, to be vulnerable, and to embrace those around him was so inspiring to many. He would always put others’ needs before his own and he would always make sure his friends and teammates are okay. Joseph is an amazing caring person who loves everyone he crosses paths with and is well-connected within the community.

Joseph turned 17 on Sunday 12/2/23. He has been an altar server at his local Catholic Church in Deception Bay for several years. He is a year 12 College Leader at St Eugene College in Burpengary, Captain of the Future Titans Team, and also a proud and active player at his local club, Redcliffe Dolphins. Joe was going to be a member of the Titans NRL squad in 2024.

He was committed and dedicated to his rugby league,

travelling so far, and balancing his school to make it work. He is a great model to his younger brother who looks up to him and to so many other young persons he met. His love for his friends and especially his family was readily apparent. We miss seeing him happy, healthy, and active. His kind, gentle, happiness-filled spirit and great sense of humour were taking him to places. Unfortunately, due to his tragic accident, his life has been turned upside down.

Joseph’s family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, and prayers from the community, some of the people who are not even known to the family but who want to reach out and give something in support and love.

We kindly ask for prayers for Joseph and his family and our heartfelt thanks for any amount contributed.