Climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest is no small feat — but that is exactly what Steph is doing to ensure that her sister will continue to live with choice and dignity.
“My sister Yvonne has always been special. In a family of eight children, she is the light that brightens our day. She has a wicked sense of humour and always sees the best in others. Her open and caring nature never ceases to amaze me. With the challenges that she has faced from those unaccepting of her differences, her ability to move past people’s lack of understanding is astounding. From children in primary school teasing her, to her own relatives being ‘uncomfortable’ that she’s different. I wouldn’t be as forgiving if I were in her shoes; however she inspires me to be a better person.
Yvonne is the last of the children still living at home. Unlike the rest of the family that have moved far and wide across the globe, she has needed 24 hour care – provided by mum and dad thus far. As my parents have aged, the task of being primary carers has become harder. Mum had a stroke earlier this year and is no longer able to look after Yvonne the way she used to. Now the family is faced with a ‘where to from here’ scenario; and the options are not great. The problem is that there aren’t adequate facilities for young people with disabilities.
Too many are left in hospitals or aged care facilities – that is NOT an option for my sister.
In a few weeks I will fly to Nepal to hike to base camp at Mount Everest. A challenge, yes, but nothing like what Yvonne and other people like her are faced with every day of their lives. People with disabilities (and their families) shouldn’t be burdened with an uncertain future.
That’s where Youngcare comes in. They really struck a chord with me. Their home page says: “All young people deserve to live young lives…. (and they are) committed to helping young Aussies with high care needs live life with choice, independence and dignity.” This is all that I could hope for Yvonne and her counterparts. Youngcare are starting to spread their reach outside of their home town of Brisbane; however they are yet to move completely into Victoria. I hope to change that.
By donating towards my hike to Everest, you are supporting the possibility of providing not only a home, but a community to someone special like my sister.
By taking action we can make a difference to so many.”
