‘Bring it for Beau’ campaign shares family’s journey

A YOUNG Banora Point man who suffered a hypoxic brain injury in a 2021 surf accident is continuing his recovery with the support of his family.

Two days after his 17th birthday, Beau Jensen was swimming with friends in the popular surf spot when a freak accident left him unconscious in the water.

For parents Hope and Eric, it was the call all parents dread, and life changed drastically for the family as the St Joseph’s Year 11 student’s significant injuries, extensive recovery and ongoing care were revealed.

Sister Makayla is Beau’s champion and, since the accident, has been advocating for and supporting the now 21-year-old in his continuing recovery and new opportunities.

“Beau is doing well, and physically, he is doing amazingly,” his sister Makayla said.

“He has worked so hard physically, but cognitively, and with memory loss, he isn’t quite aware of how much his injury has impacted his life.”

An average day for Beau encompasses dedicated support work from Monday to Friday, guiding him through ongoing physiotherapy, speech therapy, massages, and occupational therapy.

“There’s lots to get back to some sort of normality and independence again,” Jensen said.

 

“He is quite independent and can do most things. He might need verbal cues, but we’re getting there.”

“My parents are superhumans. Dad is the family’s sole income earner. I’m out of home now, and Mum is Beau’s full-time carer.

“I feel Mum and Dad have both come to terms with it to an extent, and they do what they can to give Beau and me the best life possible. I suppose it is our new normal.”

Jensen hopes to reinvigorate public awareness and give her brother more opportunities as he progresses through a lifelong recovery.

“I know that there’s opportunities for him out there, and I want to expand his quality and experience of life,” she said,

“One thing that we haven’t found is the right disability group. I would love for him to be able to play soccer again.

“I continue to share Beau’s story to inspire others and show everyone that love makes anything possible.

“I want his legacy and story to be known far and wide as that’s what he deserves.”

To follow Beau’s journey, visit instagram.com/bringit4beau