Sarah Renehan

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Challenge: Hydrocephalus

Website: facebook.com/CallingUtopia

Sarah Renehan started to sing before she could talk. Singing in school choirs and winning solo performances at the age of 12, as well as working as a backing vocalist in her Dad's cover band kept her busy as an early teen. Sarah had recorded two albums with the Mayfair choir by age 13. At 14 Sarah started writing her own music and expressing her feelings and her take on life's lessons through song. Jewel, Michelle Branch, Garry Moore and Evanescence are a few of her favourite artists.

Sarah currently plays guitar in a rock band called Calling Utopia from Melbourne.

Sarah says "As well as being a musician, I happen to suffer from a neurological condition called Hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus translated means fluid on the brain. It occurs when cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) - the clear, water-like fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord - is unable to drain from the brain. It then pools, causing a backup of fluid in the skull. It causes pressure and if left untreated severe brain damage or even death.

Due to having hydrocephalus, I have had brain surgery 7 times. I suffer from seizures and have some permanent brain damage from suffering a stroke during one of my surgeries. Like lacking coordination in the left side of my body, blind spots in both of my eyes and hypersensitive reflexes."

But, all is not bad for Sarah, through her challenges, she started a website, The Brain Drain Project. A website dedicated to raising funds for those with hydrocephalus and their families and creating awareness of the condition which is so common yet so unknown. 1 in 500 people worldwide have hydrocephalus. We also provide support for those that just need someone to talk to, whether it be for advice or just sharing their experiences with hydrocephalus. So far since starting The Brain Drain Project in 2011 Sarah has raised almost $15,000 for hydrocephalus and that number is climbing fast!

Despite her challenges, Sarah has travelled around Australia with her band, recording, shooting videos and playing.

They also have toured New Zealand which has been such a highlight for the band. Sarah says "We didn't just make friends over there, we made family and I'm so proud of what we have achieved even though I have been sick a lot of the time we have been together. As a band we have created lots of hydrocephalus awareness and raised money for people suffering from this condition. I feel so lucky in that I can help do that by doing the thing that I love most of all, which is playing and writing music.

After my operation where I had my stroke in surgery, I couldn’t even hold anything in my left hand. It had no strength what so ever. No coordination either. That moment frightened me so much because for the first time I faced an uncertain world where I may not be able to play guitar anymore, my speech was also stuffed.

What if I never sung again?... Out of everything, I still remember that moment or realisation the most. Then... There's that other moment. You know the one that I know a lot of people with disabilities have. That moment where you say to yourself. You know what life, you're not going to beat me, you're not going to get me down and most of all you aint gonna win. So you fight, you work your ass off and you be better. Not the same as before. But better. In a different way, sure. And you 'refuse to lose'."

In closing, Sarah says "these are just some words that I came up with, that I like to live by...

"I can understand why people give up, but I have spirit. I am a fighter.

I may not be the strongest, I may not be the fastest but I am the most determined.

This is why I will win. I refuse to lose. Live it. Breathe it. And BELIEVE it."

Sarah Renehan and Calling Utopia - "Woah!"