Embark - Queensland Rail

Supporting those who
Support
our community
Queensland Rail is proud to partner with Guide Dogs Queensland and assist them achieve
their mission of helping to equip, empower and educate vision impaired Queenslanders of
all ages. Not only do we work together to continue to improve access to our stations and
facilities for the vision impaired, but already this year we’ve helped Guide Dogs Queensland
raise almost $10,000. Read about the amazing bond between a Guide Dog and its owner:
Tammy-Jo’s Story
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t
see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Maintaining trust in the unseen is a challenge
for most people but none moreso than a Guide
Dog user who is blind or vision impaired. Just
ask 22-year-old Project Consultant, Tammy-Jo
Sheehan.
This vibrant young woman from Banyo in
Brisbane’s North lost her vision overnight when
she was just 10-years-old after experiencing a
severe reaction to antibiotics resulting in Stevens-
Johnson syndrome.
The life-threatening disease which attacks the skin
and mucous membranes is so rare that less than
a dozen cases have been recorded in Australia.
Patients literally burn from the inside out at a
rapid pace.
Adjusting to her new life without sight was
tremendously difficult for Tammy-Jo and often
heartbreaking for her parents and six siblings but
with their love, guidance and support she met the
challenge head-on.
Helping her along the way was the dedicated
team at Guide Dogs Queensland.
Tammy-Jo began using the White Cane in primary
school but three years ago swapped her ‘stick’
for sweet-natured ‘Isaac’ , her gorgeous Golden
Retriever/Labrador cross Guide Dog, and it
changed her life.
“I honestly don’t know how I ever survived without
him,” said Tammy-Jo.
“Before ‘Isaac’ I walked slowly and cautiously and
I lacked confidence. I was always walking into
things. Now the pair of us just fly around together.
He provides so much freedom and is incredibly
smart.”
“I have a physical leg disability too, and ‘Isaac’
is always mindful of it. When we walk up stairs
he makes sure I can reach the railing for extra
support. If there is a small rise in the road he lets
me know to be careful.
“We are a team, and I am grateful every day for
the independence and joy he brings to my life,”