SEABROOK mum Kerrie Ambry cares for her “very special daughter” Rebecca and counts every day she can spend with her child as a blessing.
Rebecca was born with a congenital heart defect and was not expected to live for long.
But, says her mum, she’s “a real fighter” – and she’s now 17.
The family is helped by Very Special Kids, a charity organisation presently looking after 5300 children who have a life-threatening illness around Australia.
“Rebecca has been very sick, but she’s such a beautiful girl,” Ms Ambry said.
“Even when she’s in intensive care in hospital, which she was a few months ago, she has a smile for you.
“Both myself and her sister Kate adore her.
“It can be hard because you can’t really relax in looking after her.
“I’ve become a light sleeper in case she needs me.
“When it’s your child, loving her comes naturally,” Ms Ambry said.
“I don’t know how long we’ll have her, but we enjoy having her as part of the family and we’ll do anything to keep her.”
Rebecca, who is in a wheelchair, is without a spleen, meaning she can’t fight infections well, leading to frequent sickness.
She also has cerebral palsy.
However, she attends Glenroy Special School, something she really looks forward to.
“Even though she has limited abilities, Rebecca is still happy and enjoys herself,” Ms Ambry said.
“She likes music and she barracks for the Richmond Football Club.
“She’s lovely.”
Ms Ambry, who is studying part-time for a social worker degree, wants to thank all the volunteers from Very Special Kids who have helped her and Rebecca.
“They’re wonderful,” she said.
“They come out and visit to see everything is going all right and see if there’s anything they can do.”
Very Special Kids recently launched its annual Piggy Bank Appeal, hoping to raise $1 million.
Five giant piggy banks, each weighing 700kg, will be visiting Melbourne suburbs to encourage people to donate.
A piggy bank will be at the Victoria Inn in Williamstown on Saturday 15 September, Seabrook Cellars off Point Cook Rd on Thursday 20 September, and the Hoppers Crossing Super Lotto on the same day.
Very Special Kids provides trained family support volunteers, counselling, bereavement support, hospital visits, sibling programs and family camps.
Respite and end-of-life care is provided at Very Special Kids House, Victoria’s only hospice for children.
For more information, call 9804 6222 or visit the website vsk.org.au.
