"My husband, Chris, started seeing Dr Rowena Mobbs in 2020 after I noticed some memory loss and a reduction in cognitive ability - things just weren't right with him for his age.
He was diagnosed with probable CTE and associated dementia in 2021 at 49 years old. We have experienced first-hand the life changing and lifesaving impacts when you have the right health advice and support.
In 2022 I was honored to become Chris's wife.
I witness the struggles Chris has and I know first hand the challenges of loving someone with this condition - it's not an easy road.
I founded Connecters Australia so that anyone suffering from the effects of this condition receive the same level of support and health advice that my husband has.
Many people suffer the debilitating effects of CTE alone as there is simply not enough awareness. I want people to survive and thrive."
"My good friend Chris (Kayleen's husband) has been provisionally diagnosed with CTE. The impact that this has had on his life, livelihood and the loved ones around him has been significant. I believe that this organisation will make lasting positive differences to people living with CTE and the loved ones who support them.
As a health care professional having worked in a variety of health care settings, corporate environments and sports, I am able to lead and seek collaborative relationships that create meaning and purpose towards organisational goals."
Simon Richards
Sports Therapist
"CTE is an emerging disability with a great need for awareness raising, research, and individual and family support.
I bring to Connecters Australia a broad understanding of, and affinity with, lifestyle impacts of a range of disabilities including those impacting on the individual, their family, friends and colleagues. I also bring expertise in community development, advocacy and organisational development in the NGO/charitable sector."
Anne Rauch
Community Member - Mental Health Review Tribunal
Rowena is Australia's leading clinician in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and provides concussion and dementia services.
"My personal experience as a former athlete means I understand the benefits as well as the risks of sport.
My professional experience is as a neurologist seeing patients across the concussion and traumatic brain injury spectrum, with a desire to see better care and research for patients living with CTE."
Dr Rowena Mobbs MBBS BMedSci(Hons1) PhD FRACP
Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Medicine at Macquarie University, subspecialist in cognitive neurology.
Leading clinician in concussion, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and dementia services.
Founder and Director Australian CTE Biobank
Founder and Neurologist for Concussion Connect
“Communication was an absolute priority during my football career, enabling us to work together as a team and achieve the best possible outcome in every game. Connecters provides a platform that allows us to communicate with and support those of us with probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and our loved ones. I am happy to be a part of the Connecters Team and support where possible”. Wally Lewis AM
“In life, moments of adversity descend upon us. It’s what we do next that will determine our outcome. We can allow adversity to define or destroy us or look for the gift or lesson from within. One such gift comes in the form of an unwritten permission slip, giving us the permission, knowledge, and ability to help others. When Wally was diagnosed with probable CTE, I knew he would step into a new arena to offer his support where possible. Navigating his probable CTE diagnosis, educating ourselves and dealing with the changes in our lives is something we do together, but we can’t do it alone. Being a part of the Connecters community not only allows us to receive much-needed assistance but also enables us to support others and help raise awareness”. Lynda Adams
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