Meet Alannah.  Wen we launched Aannah’s Appeal in October 2010, Alannah was just 3yo and had an undiagnosed syndrome.

Alannah’s syndrome resulted in many problems including: a poor swallow reflex resulting in frequent choking and PEG feeding, significant speech delays, brain damage, floppy joints and limited strength in her legs.

Alannah’s family were initially told that she would never be able to walk but she had defied the doctors and was now getting around – albeit with some limitations.

Alannah’s physiotherapist recommended a trampoline for Alannah to assist with increasing her strength, balance and co-ordination.

This appeal raised $975 to buy a Compact Springfree Trampoline for Alannah.  The actual cost with assembly was $1,010 and the difference was made up with funds from our Australian Unity grant.

Springfree Trampoline also helped by giving us a small discount and waiving the usual delivery fee – thank you Springfree!

Update:  In May 2011 we were able to purchase some special educational packs for Alannah at a cost of $680.50 thanks to some grant funding that we received from the wonderful folks at Grosvenor Foundation.

Update: In Dec 2011 we launched a new appeal for Alannah. Now 4 ½ years old Alannah had started to wander. She was 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 liked to get up and move around the house.  Not being aware of the dangers, she was at great risk of hurting herself during these midnight explorations.  She also had a habit of exploring objects with her mouth and a fascination with water.  Not good when you ‘re at a high risk of choking or aspirating.  Added to the problem is her recent seizure activity – where she could fall out of bed or hit her head and limbs.

And if that wasn’t enough, her Mum had been having treatment for the past 2 ½ years for an aggressive breast cancer.

Alannah’s Occupational Therapist identified an incredibly safe Medifab Safe Surround Plus bed that was height adjustable (to assist with transfers) and had extra high padded bed rails (which would stop Alannah climbing out of bed and stop her being injured during seizures).

The price of the bed was $11,439.50 and $2,000 of that was covered by the Victorian Statewide Equipment Program. We raised the remaining funds just in time for Christmas. Sleep well Alannah.