A Tumultuous Resilient Journey
Sonja Macfarlane's journey is one that defies all expectations.
After a catastrophic 40-meter fall from the Glasshouse Mountains, the Maroochydore woman was pronounced clinically dead four times. On May 5, 2013, Sonja, 44 at the time, fell head-first into rocks and dense bushland while climbing Mt Coonowrin with Chantelle and Jim, a medical friend, who helped her cling to life until rescue crews arrived. Sonja's condition was dire, and despite being declared dead four times over the next year, she refused to let her story end there.
Today, at 55, Sonja is an inspiration to all who know her. After spending over a year in the hospital with severe head and chest injuries, she has made a remarkable recovery. Now equipped with a new set of teeth, a new eye, some “fantastic scars,” and a new nose, Sonja is far from the woman who was rescued that fateful day.
Her recovery is a testament to her fit and healthy lifestyle and the incredible support of the paramedics, doctors, and nurses who cared for her. One of her passions, sailing, has been a driving force in her rehabilitation. Sonja's love for sailing began in high school, where she first sailed Sabots at Golden Beach. This passion only grew over the years, eventually leading her to John Bankart’s Sailing School in Mooloolaba. Here, she embarked on numerous adventures, including participating in the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race in 1997, where she experienced the freedom of the open water and the thrill of night sailing under a full moon.
The turning point in her sailing journey came when she joined Sailability in 2015 as part of her rehabilitation and community engagement. This program reignited her passion and became an integral part of her recovery. Sonja doesn’t recall her first sail after her accident, but family members recall her excitement as she tumbled into the boat—this time, without injury! Since then, she has trained tirelessly, gaining confidence and strength.
In 2018, she began competing in Sailability competitions, winning the Queensland Hansa Class Championships in the 303 two-person category with her teammate Nick Taylor. Sonja's perseverance and dedication have brought her immense joy and a sense of accomplishment, allowing her to compete with others who share her passion. Sailing has helped improve her memory, organisational skills, communication, and independence.
Sonja's achievements are not limited to the water. She continues to inspire others by participating in public speaking with Toastmasters, swimming regularly, and pursuing a career in an op shop or library. Her journey is a reminder of the power of resilience and determination. "It's amazing I'm still here," she says. "It's been a long road, but I believe there's light at the end of the tunnel."
Sonja is now channeling her energy and determination into training for the Asia Pacific Championships. Her journey with Sailability has played a crucial role in her rehabilitation, providing not just physical strength but a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Within this supportive community, every achievement is celebrated, from mastering a new sailing skill to reaching personal milestones. This sense of shared triumph and encouragement has empowered Sonja to keep pursuing her passion for sailing, no matter the obstacles in her path.
Sonja’s journey is far from over, and her incredible story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. As she continues to push forward, one thing is certain: Sonja Macfarlane is a true champion, both on and off the water.
