By XAVIER SMERDON
THE family of a Hoppers Crossing toddler with a life-threatening disorder is receiving a helping hand from a local swimming school.
Tayla Garrard was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at birth and the three-year-old now needs to take 28 doses of medicine every day to help her live with the condition.
Thanks to Paul Sadler Swimland in Hoppers Crossing joining forces with Cystic Fibrosis Victoria, Tayla will receive half price swimming lessons.
Swimming has long been recognised as one of the best activities for children with CF as it helps to develop lung capacity and maintain cardiopulmonary fitness which can slow the progression of the condition.
Tayla’s mother Tracey said the half price lessons would help her family care for their little battler.
“I think it’s awesome,” Ms Garrard said.
“The swimming lessons are one of our biggest expenses so this will definitely help us out a lot.”
Cystic Fibrosis Victoria CEO, Helen McNeill, said the new initiative would make a difference for local families.
“This support from Paul Sadler Swimland will make a real difference,” Ms McNeill said.
Kids living with CF often long for normality and swimming lessons are such an integral part of the Australian culture, it is an aspect of their therapy which doesn’t set them apart. They not only gain important skills and water safety awareness, they get some vital health benefits.”
For more information about the swimming lessons visit www.paulsadlerswimland.com
