BEAU’S STORY

Beau was born on the 7th December 1982. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition is characterised by four defects of the heart: pulmonary artery stenosis (Narrowing), inter-ventricular defect of the septum, overriding of the aorta (ie. opening into both right and left ventricles) and hypertrophy of the right ventricle (enlargement). His condition was stabilised in Perth through closed heart surgery followed by major open heart surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne at age 3 years and 10 years. It was at this stage that Beau voiced a dream to his family “I would like to play Test Cricket for Australia.”

With the guidance of his cardiologist and the love and support from his many family members Beau travelled the road least travelled. He displayed a great deal of belief, faith, hope, trust, and relentless persistence in his journey that followed.

Beau represented his college at first XI in year nine finally captaining the side in year 12. He was fortunate to make his debut at first grade cricket in Western Australian Cricket Association competition at the very early age of 15 years.

Beau went on to represent Western Australia at Under 17 and under 19 level at the Australian Championships and was fortunate to be named the champion player of the tournament. A very significant step in Beau’s dream was to then be asked to join the Australian Cricket Academy at AIS.

Beau played successful professional cricket for 10 years, firstly with Western Australia and then with New South Wales. The ultimate dream was realised when Beau was chosen to represent Australia in the West Indies Tour of 2008, receiving Test Cap 401 from Australian Test Captain Ricky Ponting… Beau had fulfilled his dream. In 2011, Beau had to retire from professional cricket due to some electro physiological challenges with his heart and further cardiac procedures performed. He currently has a cardiac loop recorder in situ.

Today Beau is on a new and exciting journey in his life, which includes his recent marriage to his beautiful wife Sal, completing his university degree and most recently his appointment as the assistant coach to the NSW Blues Cricket team.

Beau hopes that by sharing his story he can move and inspire other young children, adolescents and their parents in their journey with congenital heart disease and achieving their dreams.

Author: Dr Arthur Casson, father of Beau Casson.