Melbourne mother Danielle Donald wakes from 48-day coma

Danielle Donald, a 38-year-old from Melbourne, shared her experience of waking up from a 48-day coma after a serious car accident in 2018. She was injured when her vehicle hit a tree while swerving to avoid a kangaroo, which left her with a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and impaired vision. When Danielle awoke, she was confused and unable to remember her life or her 14-month-old son, Bruce, who had been in the car with her but was unharmed. She felt disconnected from him and struggled to understand her new reality. Before her accident, Danielle was a vibrant hair stylist and makeup artist. Now, she faces daily challenges as she works to regain her independence. She had to relearn basic skills and often feels lost, experiencing memory problems and emotional difficulties. Despite these struggles, she is focused on improving her health and fitness. Danielle has started training for a bodybuilding competition, which has become her passion. She credits her parents for their unwavering support during her recovery, as they moved closer to help care for her and Bruce. Today, Danielle acknowledges the changes in her life but remains dedicated to being the best mother she can be. She describes her relationship with Bruce as "amazing" and finds strength in their bond.