Australian cricketer Josie Dooley has been medically evacuated from Hawaii after suffering a stroke while on a post-season holiday.
Dooley, who plays for South Australia and the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, underwent emergency surgery before being airlifted from Hawaii to her hometown in Brisbane last week, where she continues to be treated.
The 24-year-old required urgent neurosurgical treatment in the United States, where she spent 30 days in hospital before she was cleared to be airlifted home.
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Dooley’s immediate prognosis was unknown, however, has been revealed to be the result of hydrocephalus – a condition caused by an accumulation of fluid deep in the ventricles within the brain.
The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) released a statement on Monday requesting privacy for Dooley and her family during this time.
“On 15 April Josie was on the Hawaiian island of Kauai when she suffered a stroke as a result of hydrocephalus and was required to be airlifted to Honolulu to receive urgent neurosurgical treatment,” the SACA statement read.
“Following surgery, Josie remained in the neurosciences ICU of the Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu for 18 days before progressing to a neurosurgical ward where she remained for a further 12 days.
“Once she was fit to fly, Josie was medically evacuated to her hometown of Brisbane where she was readmitted to hospital.
“Josie is making progress in her recovery and would like to thank her family, friends and teammates for their love and support over this challenging time.
“The Dooley family requests privacy at this time.”
Dooley played 11 matches for South Australia during the 2023 domestic one-day competition, making a total of 285 runs.
She made her debut in the WBBL in 2019 with the Brisbane Heat before making the move down south to join the Renegades the following summer. She played all 14 games at wicket keeper for the club last season.
”Like many in the Australian cricket community, the Melbourne Renegades are thinking of our beloved team member, Josie Dooley, as she faces her current health battle,” the Renegades wrote in their statement.
“Josie is a much-loved member of our playing group and a favourite with our fans. We see her strength, dedication and spirit during the WBBL and we know this will guide her through this challenge.
“We, alongside the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA), are in close contact with Josie’s family and offering our full support during this period.”