Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
For Brendan, those words mean everything.
Family is at the centre of Brendan’s world. He speaks with his mum, dad and three brothers every day and visits them weekly also. They’re the people he loves most and they’re never far from his thoughts.
So, when Brendan decided he wanted a new tattoo, he knew exactly what it would be. A perfectly drawn character from his favourite film so that he could have it with him at all times.
An exciting moment
First a drawing of what Brendan’s tattoo will look like. Exciting!
The movie – Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. The character – the cheeky, loving and always loyal Stitch. Brendan has loved the movie from the very first moment he watched it. Indeed, he’s such a fan, his room is jam packed with Lilo & Stitch memorabilia. And Brendan’s collection? It is impressive.
At last count he had wall to wall Lilo & Stitch posters, Lilo & Stitch miniatures, Stitch plush toys, bed linen, a duvet cover, cushions, accessories and even a Lilo & Stitch library bag.
“Brendan loves his tattoo and how it looks,” says Katie Kelly, manager of the Upper Coomera Supported Independent Living house Brendan calls home.
“He shows everybody he sees.”
It’s not just the characters of Lilo & Stitch that inspire Brendan of course.
The incredible result
Ta-dah! A completed Stitch and he is gorgeous.
It’s the film’s message about Ohana – and all that it means. Katie says that message has always resonated with Brendan and deeply.
“When he shows his tattoo to people he tells them what Ohana means, just in case they didn’t know,” she says.
Brendan agrees saying, “I love Stitch because of family and no-one gets left behind.”
Tattoos aren’t cheap though. But Brendan wasn’t about to let that get in the way. He set himself a goal. And despite working just one day a week, carefully saved as much of his pay as he could so he could afford the ink that he so wanted.
We’re delighted to report that recently, that goal became a reality. And Brendan is over the moon with the result.
One very happy Brendan
One very proud Brendan and his new awesome ink.
Watching Brendan proudly show off his new tattoo is a fantastic reminder that the things that matter most are pretty much the same for all of us: family, personal expression, achieving a goal and celebrating the things we love.
Afford’s purpose is to create an inclusive world where human rights are realised – a world where people of all abilities come together to share in life’s adventure. Brendan’s new tattoo is a terrific example of just that.
We believe every person should have the opportunity to make choices about their own life, pursue their interests and be supported to achieve what’s important to them.
For Brendan, that meant turning something meaningful into a lasting piece of art – and a daily reminder of the people who mean the world to him.
Congratulations, Brendan. We think it looks fantastic.
And we’re delighted you’re part of the Afford Ohana.
Brendan and his beloved mum Mel, the head of his Ohana.
