Patrick

“Meet my incredible husband, Patrick Woodcock—a true warrior who rises every day with courage that deserves all the high-fives! His journey hasn’t been easy, marked by deep loss and battles that would test anyone’s strength. The “Sacred” heart tattoo on his chest honors his teenage girlfriend, lost to suicide—a heartbreak that sent him spiraling into a 15-year struggle with cannabis addiction. Then came the devastating loss of his father to bowel cancer, pushing him deeper into a darker world of methamphetamine.

When we met, Patrick was still caught in that storm. But love has a way of lighting the path. A few years into our relationship, I gave him a choice: a life with me or the life he was living. He chose us—quitting drugs cold turkey, a feat of sheer willpower. Alcohol crept in as a new challenge, but when faced with another ultimatum, Patrick tackled it with the same fierce determination. Today, he’s proudly two years sober!

But life threw another curveball. A brutal road rage incident left him with a severe head injury after being run over by a ute [Kiwi for pickup truck]. Violent seizures followed, so intense that doctors had to place him in a 36-hour coma to protect his brain. Coming out of it, Patrick had to relearn the basics—putting on clothes, even remembering my name. For someone so brilliant and quick-witted, losing that spark was crushing. Yet, he’s never stopped fighting.

With unwavering grit and my support, Patrick’s been rebuilding himself, piece by piece. He’s now about 70% of the man he once was—and he’s still climbing. Now, as we look forward to welcoming our first child, I’m in awe of his resilience. Patrick doesn’t just survive; he thrives. Here’s to a man who proves every day that no matter how hard life hits, you can rise again.”
(c) Ilan Wittenberg