By Ann Marie Angebrandt
WERRIBEE mum Suzanne Shaw made a vow seven years ago never to give up on her Vietnam veteran husband.
Before Fred Shaw died in 1998 of a rare neurological condition, she promised the former navy communications officer she would fight on until the Government recognised his suffering came as a result of his decade with the armed forces.
“There were so many chemicals they worked with without knowing the longterm effects,” she said.
Mr Shaw’s deterioration started in the late 1980s, more than two decades after he had returned from Vietnam, and progressed rapidly in his final years.
And he was forced to abandon a business he established as a painter and decorator as his health became worse.
“At first it was diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease,” Ms Shaw said. “He was falling off ladders from two storeys up.”
However, the cause was never made conclusive.
Ms Shaw spent nine years nursing her dying husband as he lost control of his body.
She also took her husband – in his wheelchair and connected to oxygen – to a Veterans’ Affairs tribunal, only to be told she had insufficient medical evidence.
Mr Shaw died at 48, leaving her a widow with three young children after 20 years of marriage.
Ms Shaw has twice returned to the same tribunal, arming herself each time with more evidence.
“I told Fred I’d keep fighting for his rights, and making sure these things that are happening to our guys aren’t forgotten.”
She also joined Legacy, the volunteer organisation that supports families like the Shaws, legally, financially and, most importantly, emotionally.
“They became like an extended family to us,” Ms Shaw said.
“Other Legacy children are like brothers and sisters to my kids.”
Ms Shaw’s children are now adults – Anthony is 18, Candace 22, and Hayley 25 – but they are still strongly committed to Legacy.
Her two daughters are junior legatees and take other Legacy children on camps and excursions.
On Thursday Anthony will address State Parliament about the importance of the organisation.
“We’re a very tight community who do anything for each other,” Ms Shaw said.
She is now a case manager for people with acquired brain damage, and is secretary of a support group for younger widows like herself.
“Legacy’s challenge now is to care for the older widows but, as we age, we’ll need that same help,” she said.
Legacy receives no regular financial support from government.
The organisation relies on donations, bequests and the proceeds from its annual badge week appeal, which runs from 28 August to 3 September.
The Melbourne branch helps 24,000 widows and more than 400 children.
As part of Legacy Week, families will get together at 11am at the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday, 28 August, for a service and lunch.
“It’s a wonderful time where we all come together from across the state and have a day just for ourselves,” she said.
For more information on this vital organisation, contact Legacy House on 9663 3564.
