Will to Live

This is a remarkable story. It will change the way you look at life.

For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.

Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical. Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation. And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation.

What happened to Matthew could happen to anyone. But not everyone would accept what life offers and pursue possibilities in the way that he does. Matthew has astounded doctors with his recovery and adaptation to a new way of living. And he has never once questioned Diane's decision – it gave him the chance to truly understand how much family matters and to appreciate humanity.

About the Authors

Prior to becoming a quadruple amputee, Matthew Ames was an executive in the energy and resources sector, an industry in which he worked for almost 20 years as an environmental engineer and safety professional. His most recent position was Group Manager, Health Safety & Environment at Origin Energy. Much of Matthew's time is currently spent focusing on rehabilitation and maximising what he can do. He shares his story in the hope that it inspires positive attitudes towards adversity and disability.

Matthew was a Queensland state finalist in the 2013 Australian Father of the Year awards, and the recipient of the 2013 Queensland Pride of Australia (Courage) Award. He is actively engaged in all aspects of family life with four children. Matthew and his wife, Diane, are determined to grow old together.

Kate Ames is a senior lecturer in the Bachelor of Professional Communication and associated degrees at Central Queensland University in Brisbane. Prior to becoming an academic she worked in magazine editorial, as a journalist and editor with a national newsstand magazine, and corporate publications and strategy. She has been a Public Affairs Officer in the Australian Defence Force (Army Reserve) since 2001. Her work is published regularly as a magazine feature writer and photographer.

Kate began documenting her brother's story when he became a quadruple amputee. This is her first book. She lives outside Brisbane with her husband and two children.