A North Geelong man who created Australia’s first peer-led online community for young survivors of stroke has been named as a finalist in the Stroke Foundation’s 2022 Stroke Awards.
Genyus Network founder Caleb Rixon is one of three nominees in the running for the Improving Life after Stroke Award.
Mr Rixon founded the community in 2015 and has seen it grow to more than 1500 people, including survivors, supporters, health professionals and researchers.
He said he began Genyus after struggling with his own identity after experiencing a stroke at the age of 24.
“My professional musical theatre career was just getting started when I had a stroke and lost the ability to walk, talk, swallow, see, or breathe on my own,” Mr Rixon said.
“While I did make gains in my recovery over time, I felt isolated and disempowered.
“Things started looking up when I connected with other young survivors and realised, we all had similar stories. This is where the idea for the network was born, creating a place for people to share stories and support one another.”
Mr Rixon is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and promoting the need for new narratives driven by the voices of people with lived experience themselves.
Stroke Foundation Victoria state manager Eamonn O’Toole said Mr Rixon was a worthy nominee for his innovation in creating a safe space for young survivors of stroke.
“Caleb is an inspiration, who has helped hundreds of people learn to adjust to life after stroke through connecting with other survivors,” Mr O’Toole said.
The Stroke Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in the community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke, including survivors, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers and members of the community.
The Improving Life after Stroke category recognises those who voluntarily dedicate their time to improving the care and support of stroke survivors in the community.
The other finalists for the award are New South Wales pair Leslie Watkin and Priya Sharma.
The winner of the Improving Life after Stroke award will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on Wednesday, May 4.
