Author Description

What if you could find purpose in unimaginable tragedy? What if it was the best thing that could happen? An autobiography of a teachers' devotion to 'at-risk' children. It is through the unimaginable tragedies of others that Susie O'Neill found her purpose. This book shares a collection of uplifting stories of transformation, determination and resilience. From the ashes of the past, survivors have risen and followed a path of self-discovery and healing, to find a place of belonging, and for some lead them to the best experiences they have ever had. Working with hundreds of survivors of unbelievable trauma, abuse and burns, Susie O'Neill has learnt that from bad things... good things can grow. The courage and strength of the incredible people she has met are shared through their powerful stories in this book. In 1993 Susie O'Neill founded the KIDS Foundation after learning 5,000 children are injured in Australia every day. KIDS purpose is to help young people recover from injuries and trauma caused by the most horrific circumstances, as well as preventing them from happening through education and empowerment. One day Susie O'Neill met a young boy being rehabilitated in an aged-care facility surrounded by elderly men and was compelled to do something. Several years later a child-friendly, purpose-built facility was created. The first young boy to stay there was a burn survivor. When it was time for him to return home there were limited support networks, so she created one - Burn Survivors' Network supporting families Australia wide. Becoming an Ironman in 2001 changed and saved Susie O'Neill's life in the most unexpected way. Most importantly it became the catalyst for securing millions of dollars to the KIDS Foundation. 'When bad things happen... good things can grow', captures heart-felt stories of triumph over adversity.