On April 15th this year, Australian cricketer Josie Dooley’s life took an unexpected turn during what was meant to be a relaxing Hawaiian holiday. At 3 am, she woke with severe headaches and vomiting, symptoms that quickly escalated due to hydrocephalus—a condition caused by a benign tumor obstructing cerebrospinal fluid in her brain.
The situation worsened as she suffered a cerebellar stroke before being airlifted from Kauai to Honolulu for urgent neurosurgery. Josie spent a harrowing 28 days in hospital in Honolulu, 18 of those days in the ICU, battling severe heart and lung complications. Amidst this, she underwent two critical neurosurgical procedures, required a tracheostomy for breathing support, and had a PEG feeding tube inserted for nutrition.
Thanks to a swift medical evacuation, Josie returned to Australia, where she was admitted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) before continuing her recovery journey at the STARS hospital. Her path to recovery has been arduous— taking baby steps with the support of a walker and facing the challenges of a brain injury, but her determination remains unwavering.
After an astounding 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 campaign “#wave2recovery,” inspiring countless supporters worldwide.
Dooley shared a post on her Instagram captioned, “On April 15th this year, I awoke at 3 am with severe headaches and vomiting on the first-night l of a Hawaiian holiday. It’s a long story but I developed hydrocephalus due to an obstruction by a benign tumour 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 severe heart and lung complications. I ended up in a hospital in Honolulu for 28 days (ventilated in ICU for 18 days) and underwent two neurosurgical procedures, a tracheostomy, and had a PEG feeding tube in my stomach. I was then medically evacuated by an incredible Life Flight crew back to Australia (thank you Cover-More Travel Insurance) where I was admitted to RBWH in Brisbane, and then on to the amazing STARS hospital where I had to learn to walk again. Finally, after a total of 93 days in hospital I was discharged this week. As with all acquired brain injuries, I have a long road ahead. My goal is to get back to playing professional cricket and to enjoy my other life passion, surfing. I am so determined to reclaim my life and hope you will join me on my ‘wave to recovery’.”
Dooley’s family and the cricket community have rallied around her during this challenging period. Statements from the South Australia Cricket Association and her WBBL club, Renegades, expressed support and admiration for her resilience. The Renegades, in particular, highlighted her significant impact on and off the field, noting her popularity among fans and teammates alike.
In the midst of her journey, Dooley found herself surrounded by a chorus of uplifting voices from her teammates and friends. Alana King’s message beamed with affection: “Sending plenty of love and good vibes your way, Dools!” Lauren Cheatle’s admiration added a touch of awe: “In awe of you.” Piepa Cleary, reminiscing fondly, expressed, “Been thinking of you lots, Dools. Look forward to a game of ping pong.” Megan Schutt’s support was resounding: “All of the love, absolute boss. We’re all so proud!” Kate Peterson’s words echoed through, recognizing her strength: “You’re a true fighter! With you all the way.”
Having started her career with the Brisbane Heat in 2018-19, Dooley has since played a total of 65 matches for the Renegades in the WBBL. Her journey in cricket 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 the Under-16 and Under-19 levels, in addition to playing for Australia A and featuring in the Governor-General’s XI against England in 2017.
As Josie Dooley continues her recovery, messages of support pour in from across the cricketing world, highlighting her strength and determination in facing this health challenge.
The Dooley family has requested privacy during this time, emphasizing their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from friends, teammates, and fans.