In August 2012, loving husband and father-of-three Andrew Hunt sustained significant injuries in a dirt bike accident and several days after his release from hospital, suffered a stroke.

Since then the family’s world has been turned upside down, with wife Lisa leaving her job as a school teacher to become Andrew’s full-time carer.

The 60 Minutes program aired on April 27 and shed light on the work of Dr. Ed Tobinick at the Institute of Neural Recovery in Florida.

Being described as the ‘reverse stroke’ treatment, the program told the story of a stroke victim Linda Lumbra, who within minutes of being injected with the drug Etanercept, regained her ability to talk. 

Within weeks of hearing Linda’s remarkable story, the family made the decision to apply for the treatment and after flying to Florida, Andrew received his first injection on May 15.

Lisa said that it had been hard to fully communicate the success of the first treatment, but that based on the tests, significant improvements had been made to his vision and mobility.

Then, on May 27 (US time), Andrew underwent a second injection of Etanercept with family friend Martin Parker reporting measurable improvements in all areas including improved speed, alertness and ease of movement.

“We have some work to do, some more hard yards to improve on what we have,” Martin shared on Facebook.

“Right now we are sitting in the sun having a beer and laughing, do the same wherever you are and we’ll be happy.

“He’s the coolest cat in Venice Beach he thinks.”

Lisa said that the family are very excited with the small but noticeable differences in Andrew however there is still a long, hard road of therapy ahead for them.

“We are so thankful for all of the support back home in Australia and the journey ahead doesn't seem so daunting with everyone behind us,” she said.

“Martin and Denise (Martin’s wife) have made this an experience of a lifetime and words can't express how grateful we are.”

The Parker's accompanied the family on the trip and are also helping to organising a fundraiser to be held at the Station Hotel, Kurri on Sunday, June 8.

The event will get underway from 10am, with market stalls, entertainment, raffles, auctions and more planned.

All funds raised on the day will go towards easing the costs of Andrew’s treatment, which are upwards of $6000 for each injection.

Details of the event can be found here.