A DEER Park woman has been able to make a better life for her five-year-old niece with cerebral palsy, thanks to a $5000 grant.
Brimbank resident Sally Desbois applied for the funds through the Sunsuper Dreams for a Better World internet site.
The website allows Australians to submit their ‘dreams’ and the one with the most votes receives the $5000 grant.
Ms Desbois submitted her winning wish for Tilly, who lives on the Gold Coast, last month.
Ms Desbois said she entered the competition to help Tilly with conductive therapy and to help her parents cover the cost of the expensive classes.
“Tilly’s cerebral palsy means that the simple things you and I take for granted are a struggle for Tilly, like sitting, walking, talking and using her hands,” Ms Debois said.
“Cognitively Tilly is a bright and determined little girl with ambition and drive; she loves playing with her friends but is limited with what she can do because her body doesn’t work the same.
“This is where conductive education therapy really benefits Tilly, teaching her how to use her body and walk, for example.
“The classes are two and half hours long and are very intensive, but Tilly’s parents have seen some great progress in her strength and willingness to want to sit up independently and walk as a result.
“With the help of Sunsuper’s $5000 grant we are able provide Tilly with 20 classes, which will give her the opportunity to enhance her motor skills, increase her co-ordination, improve her communication skills, and overall improve her quality of life.”
The $5000 will go to The Dream Workers who will facilitate Tilly’s classes with Footprints Rehabilitation Services.
See www.sunsuperdreams.com.au for more information.
