Pepsi’s sweet heart

By NATALIE GALLENTI

PEPSI Gulen knows how tough it is to care for a loved one with a disability. She also knows how great the rewards can be.

The Burnside resident has a young child with special needs and last year, after years of her and her husband fighting the battle alone, she decided to establish a parent support group dedicated to the inclusion and equality of children and young adults with a disability.

After countless hours of hard work, icare Special Needs Group was born. Finally mothers, fathers, guardians and carers have a place to talk to other people who are facing the same uphill battle and realise they are not alone.

“It’s a one-stop-shop for parents, guardians and carers. They can come and relax, have a chat and takeaway some important knowledge through education,” Ms Gulen said.

“We have lots of amazing people in the group and from all walks of life. It’s a beautiful tapestry. We help people who don’t know where to turn.”

The mother-of-four said parents of children with special needs spent so much time caring for their loved ones that they often lost themselves in the process and a group like icare helped them “reinvent” their lives. That is why she volunteers countless days, weeks and months to the charity.

“Carers are often an afterthought and get the short end of the stick. But I decided enough was enough.”

Now Ms Gulen’s days are spent juggling caring for her family and looking after her “fifth baby”. From purchasing morning tea supplies to preparing piles of paperwork and finally organising family events, she certainly has her hands full. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I take everything one or two days at a time. Sometimes I fall down in a heap, but then I meet some beautiful people along the way that makes it all worth it.

“Seeing parents who have lost the shine in their eyes, have no hope and are lost…and then you finally see the gleam in their eyes return, that is what drives me.”

Ms Gulen is the first nominee for the Star Volunteer of the Year Award.

Each week a different volunteer will be profiled and a winner of the inaugural award will be announced 8 January next year. Do you know a volunteer? Please send details to star@starnewsgroup.com.au