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Shannon and Marie's Story

Shannon is a 19-year-old young woman and recent high school graduate, who lives with spastic quadriplegia, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. As she cannot speak, eat or use her hands, she requires constant, high-level care.  

Living at home with her mum and dad, Shannon is able to lead an activity-packed life, surrounded by an abundance of love and family, despite her high physical support needs. Whether that is hydrotherapy, trips to the beach or even surfing, you’ll see Shannon enjoying the water at any chance she can get. 

Her mother, Marie, hopes to see her transitioning into the community as she wraps her schooling. Marie is determined to continue providing care and support to keep her daughter at home as she enters adulthood. 

 “I want her at home. She’s our little girl and we want to care for her, so at this stage that is how we do it.” 

In order for Shannon to live a happy, healthy life in her mum & dad’s care, accessible transportation is an absolute necessity. They are heavily reliant on their van which allows Shannon to safely enter and exit the vehicle. However, recently the hoist had begun to malfunction, and the mechanic advised that its days were numbered. 

“Whenever we want to take her away from home, we need it. It could be anything. On Saturday we do the woollies shopping and go into town for appointment. We can’t just jump into a car; she needs the van.” 

Shannon’s family were feeling the financial strain that comes with caring for a loved one with disability and were searching for assistance to purchase this essential, yet costly, equipment. 

Youngcare had the privilege of providing a ‘helping hand’ to Shannon and her family, in the form of an At Home Care Grant. Thanks to our amazing donors and supporters, we were able to fund a brand-new hoist and the installation into their vehicle.  

This hoist is more than just a piece of equipment to Shannon and her family. Shannon’s independence, dignity and quality of life are dependent on a working van.  

“We use it almost daily and wouldn’t be able to function without a hoist in our van. It’s like breathing – we couldn’t live without it.” 

Marie would like to share her sincere thanks for allowing her daughter to lead the young life she deserves: 

“Because of Youngcare’s support, Shannon can access everything. Not just the community but she can access long distance trips, safely and comfortably, in a van with a hoist that is not going to break down. We are so very appreciative – thank you.” 

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A huge thanks to our supporters 

Network First
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