Josie Dooley’s Road to Recovery After Serious Illness

On April 15 this year, Australian cricketer Josie Dooley’s life took an unexpected turn during what was supposed to be a relaxing Hawaiian vacation. At 3 a.m., she woke up with a severe headache and vomiting, symptoms that quickly worsened due to hydrocephalus, a condition caused by a benign tumor blocking the cerebrospinal fluid in her brain.

Things took a turn for the worse when she suffered a cerebellar stroke before being airlifted from Kauai to Honolulu for emergency neurosurgery. Josie spent a terrifying 28 days in the Honolulu hospital, including 18 days in intensive care, battling serious heart and lung complications. In between, she underwent two critical neurosurgical procedures, required a tracheostomy for respiratory support, and had a PEG feeding tube inserted for nutrition.

Thanks to a rapid medical evacuation, Josie returned to Australia where she was admitted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) before continuing her journey of recovery at STARS Hospital. Her road to recovery has been tough, taking baby steps with the support of a walker and navigating the challenges of a brain injury, but her determination remains unwavering.

After an astonishing 93 days in hospital, Josie was discharged, marking a significant milestone in her road to recovery. Despite the long road ahead, typical of acquired brain injuries, her goals are clear: “to return to professional cricket and pursue her passion for surfing.” Her resilience and positivity shine through her “#wave2recovery” campaign, inspiring countless supporters worldwide.

Dooley shared a post on her Instagram with the caption: “On April 15th of this year I woke up at 3am with a severe headache and vomiting on the first night of a Hawaiian vacation. It’s a long story, but I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus due to an obstruction from a benign tumor deep in my brain. Before I could be airlifted from Kauai to Honolulu, Oahu for life-saving neurosurgery, I suffered a cerebellar stroke and subsequent serious heart and lung complications. I ended up in a hospital in Honolulu for 28 days (18 days on a ventilator in the intensive care unit) and underwent two neurosurgical procedures, a tracheostomy and had a PEG feeding tube inserted into my stomach. I was then medically evacuated by an incredible Life Flight crew back to Australia (thanks Cover-More Travel Insurance) where I was admitted to RBWH in Brisbane and then to the amazing STARS hospital where I had to learn to walk again. Eventually, After a total of 93 days in hospital, I was discharged this week. As with all acquired brain injuries, I still have a long way to go. My goal is to play professional cricket again and enjoy my other passion, surfing. I am so determined to get my life back and I hope you will join me on my ‘wave to recovery’.”

Dooley’s family and the cricket community have rallied around her during this challenging time. Statements from the South Australia Cricket Association and her WBBL club, Renegades, expressed their support and admiration for her resilience. The Renegades particularly highlighted her significant impact on and off the field, noting her popularity among fans and teammates.

Throughout her journey, Dooley was surrounded by a chorus of encouraging voices from her teammates and friends. Alana King’s message radiated affection: “Sending you lots of love and good vibes, Dools!” Lauren Cheatle’s admiration added a touch of awe: “Been thinking about you a lot, Dools. Can’t wait to play some ping-pong.” Megan Schutt’s support was overwhelming: “All the love, absolute boss. We are all so proud!” Kate Peterson’s words echoed through her, recognizing her strength: “You’re a true fighter! I’m with you all the way.”

Dooley began her career with the Brisbane Heat in 2018-19 and has since made a total of 65 appearances for the Renegades in the WBBL. Her cricketing journey began with Queensland in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), later moving to South Australia in 2020-21. She has also represented Australia at Under-16 and Under-19 level, in addition to playing for Australia A and playing in the Governor-General’s XI against England in 2017.

As Josie Dooley recovers, messages of support have poured in from across the cricket world, highlighting her strength and determination to overcome this health challenge.

The Dooley family has requested privacy during this time and emphasized their gratitude for the love and support of friends, teammates and fans.

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