Not only is Alannah sick, but her Mum has been too….  4 ½ year old Alannah from Caroline Springs in Melbourne has an undiagnosed condition which has resulted in many problems, including dyspraxia (it’s difficult to get her body to do what she wants it to do), a poor swallow reflex (dysphagia) resulting in frequent choking (hence she is mainly tube fed), and developmental delays.  She also has white matter changes in her brain and has recently started experiencing seizures. And if that isn’t enough, her Mum has been having treatment for the past 2 ½ years for an aggressive breast cancer. Now here’s the problem. Alannah is a wanderer.  Quite the explorer in fact.  Especially at night. And while she should be safely tucked up in bed like her Mum, Dad and brother, Alannah likes to get up and move around the house.  Not being aware of the dangers, she is at great risk of hurting herself during these midnight explorations.  She also has a habit of exploring objects with her mouth and has a particular fascination with water.  Not good when you have dysphagia as she’s at a high risk of choking or aspirating.  Added to the problem is her recent seizure activity – where she can fall out of bed or hit her head and limbs. A good night’s sleep is needed by everyone in Alannah’s family – especially her Mum. Alannah’s Occupational Therapist has identified an incredibly safe Medifab Safe Surround Plus bed that is height adjustable (to assist with her Mum with transfers) and has extra high padded bed rails (which will stop Alannah climbing out of bed). The padding will also stop her being injured during seizures and will stop her being too visually stimulated at bedtime. The bed also has adjustable sleeping positioning so that Alannah will be able to have the most comfortable sleeping position to match her medical needs.  It would be so reassuring for Alannah’s parents to be able to put her to bed and to know that she would remain safe throughout the night, but like most disability-related equipment it seems that this is not something that’s going to come cheap.  The bed that has been recommended by Alannah’s therapist will cost $11,439.50.  With $2,000 of that being applied for through the Victorian Statewide Equipment Program, our BIG BUCKS Appeal seeks to raise the remaining $9,439.50.

Australian children’s charity I Give A Buck Foundation of Australia Ltd assists children from disadvantaged families who also suffer from a life-threatening or life-altering illness or condition – with particular focus on terminally ill children.