Teenage survivor tells his story to save lives

Strong. Brave. Resilient

After surviving a devastating car crash caused by a drug-affected driver, teenager Thomas TJ Campagna is volunteering his time to help keep others safe on our roads.

He shares his traumatic story with young people through the PARTY Program, a charity that helps school students understand the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

His mum speaks on his behalf during student events at Canberra Hospital, where doctors, nurses and trauma patients help spread the safety message.

TJ survived severe internal injuries, muscle loss, fractures and mouth damage in the 2017 crash.

Apart from the talks, he has collected thousands of dollars for the hospital and the PARTY Program through a fund-raising dinner.

He says his work with the PARTY program is a way of giving back and thanking the Canberra Hospital for saving his life.

TJ is proud and happy to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “It means the work me and mum do with the hospital is obviously working.”

TJ was thirteen at the time of the crash, which was caused by a woman who had used the drug ICE.

“Since the crash, I have had four hospital stays and five surgeries. It is likely I will have more surgeries in the future,” he says.

TJ’s extensive rehabilitation meant he missed a year of school and now has to catch up.

He is a keen football player and has been able to return to the sport this year. However, he has been told he won’t be able to play at an elite level because of his injuries.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.

The Party Program will use its grant to offer more education sessions.

“It means the message about risk-taking behaviour can be shared with more students,” says TJ. “Hopefully this will avoid more car crashes from the big five: driving under the influence, driving tired, not wearing your seatbelt, distractions and speeding.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __