Meet cute little 4 y.o. Piper from Kalorama, VIC.  With her identical twin sister Ruby, you could be looking in a mirror.  Quite literally in fact as the girls are “mirror image” twins (Piper is right handed – Ruby left, Piper has amblyopia in her right eye – Ruby has it in her right.  It’s even the same for their personalities and likes & dislikes!)

The biggest difference between them though is that at 2 years of age Piper was diagnosed with cerebral palsy – spastic diplegia.

It’s very hard for Piper to be mobile – she uses AFOs (ankle foot orthotics) and a special Walker to get around, but tires easily and has lots of ‘spectacular but graceful falls!’ according to her mum Stef.

Over the past year, Piper has become increasingly aware that she is less mobile than her peers. This is especially true when she sees her sister and cousins whizzing around on their bikes. 

Recently however Piper’s world was turned upside down when she was given the opportunity to try a specially adapted bike.  She had so much fun she couldn’t stop smiling and didn’t want to get off.  Mum Stef says she’s been talking ever since about how clever she was to ride ‘all on her own’!

Her physio has recommended that this type of bike would be of significant benefit to Piper’s ongoing physical health (not to mention the wonderful joy it would bring!), as would a Second Skin / lateral body splint suit – which would greatly support her core stability and have a significant impact on her ability to access both her home and kinder environments – enabling her to participate in a greater range of play experiences.  

Piper’s Appeal aims to raise the $3755 needed to fund her special bike and Second Skin suit. 

100% of public donations go towards Piper’s equipment needs.

If you‘d like to help you can donate at the bottom of her appeal page here

?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.