Marketing and Communications Manager and keen surfer, Jon, 38, Perth, developed a “mysterious lung infection” in early January, 2014. The then otherwise healthy and active father-to-one, fell ill on New Year’s Day, while holidaying in the State’s south-west. He was experiencing stomach discomfort and generally felt unwell. Hoping the illness would quickly pass, Jon endeavoured…

Retired stockbroker, father-to-four, grandfather-to-five and keen fisherman, Peter, 71, Melbourne, has remarkably, survived five episodes of the often fatal infection, pneumonia. The ex-smoker’s most recent hospital admission was on September 26, 2014, where he stayed for a month. Peter is clinically at-risk of contracting pneumonia. Following 25 years of “heavy smoking which caused significant damage…

Emily, 54, Gosford, NSW, lives with the tracheal disease, bronchiectasis, which places her at heightened risk of contracting the potentially life-threatening infection, pneumonia. Following the death of her mother in 2004, Emily spent the ensuing six years of her life in mourning, frequently overwhelmed by physical and mental exhaustion. In 2009, she developed a consistent…

Partially paralysed craft lover living with asthma, Maree, 63, Bundaberg, developed a severe episode of the potentially life-threatening infection, pneumococcal pneumonia, in March 2016. A member of the ‘Stolen Generation’, Maree spent most of her youth in the North Queensland bush, working on cattle and sheep stations, which kick-started a regular smoking habit, along with…

Mother-to-three, grandmother-to-two, accountant and cake decorator, Leigh, 56, Sydney, has always led an active life. She loves to travel, go to the football, attend aqua aerobics and spend quality time with her grandchildren. In June 2009 however, Leigh’s world came crashing down, when the ex-smoker developed an unrelenting headache, and was overcome by exhaustion. Eight…