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Emergency relief, life-changing impact
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Rhiannon
Four-year-old Rocky Bay customer Rhiannon starts each morning asking her parents if she can jump on her brand-new trampoline.
Rhiannon’s new morning routine is all thanks to Rocky Bay’s Wishing Tree, which is funded entirely by donations and grants wishes to customers when no other funding source is available.
Rhiannon’s Mother Sarah said the gift of a trampoline had been ‘life-changing’ for her daughter.
“I was so ecstatic for Rhiannon and when I told her Rocky Bay helped us get the trampoline, she was so surprised and happy,” Sarah said.
“It gives her the freedom to have somewhere to play by herself and play with her friends.
“There are so many things she needs help with, but because of the net, she can go in by herself. If she falls over it’s okay,” Sarah said.
The story continues...
Rhiannon has been a Rocky Bay customer since she was 18 months old. She suffered a stroke in the womb and her parents were told she may never walk.
But with Rhiannon’s self-determination, support from her parents, and the help of Rocky Bay therapists she can walk independently, run, and now ‘jump.’
Rocky Bay Advanced Clinician Physiotherapist Anna Smith explains she was inspired to submit a Wishing Tree application as Rhiannon’s family is motivated to provide opportunities for Rhiannon.
“The main benefit of the trampoline is participation – with her family at home and age-appropriate opportunity for play and participation with peers to support the development of friendships,” Anna said.
A trampoline also offers positive benefits to Rhiannon’s physical activity.
“From a Physiotherapy perspective the trampoline provides an opportunity to engage in physical activity, further develop balance, strength and practice balance and saving reactions,” Anna said.
“It provides high levels of proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation which Rhiannon enjoys and helps her to regulate herself,” Anna said.
The next step is to get some modified steps made up with a rail so Rhiannon can get up into the trampoline by herself.
How we helped
Sarah applauded the Wishing Tree for bringing joy into Rocky Bay customer’s lives.
“The Wishing Tree is amazing, the gifts don’t just have to be something that helps people medically but something that is fun and gives them a bit of joy,” Sarah said.
Anna has been working with Rhiannon and her family to provide them with opportunities to develop Rhiannon’s skills and abilities now and for future participation.
“Rocky Bay has developed a strong relationship with Rhiannon’s parents Sarah and Ryan,” Anna said.
“Sessions involve parents and therapists practicing and working with Rhiannon on goal areas, as well as lots of reflection and problem-solving around how to incorporate these strategies into daily life.
“This looks like therapy sessions at the Gosnells clinic, home visits, bike riding to school together, organising equipment to support functions, daycare and school visits,” Anna concluded.
Sarah beams talking about Rhiannon’s determined approach to her therapy.
“There’s no stopping Rhiannon, she is full of self-determination – in her mind, she is no different,” Sarah said.
Find out more about Rocky Bay’s Wishing Tree here: https://www.rockybay.org.au/donate/wishing-tree/
A few words
I was so ecstatic for Rhiannon and when I told her Rocky Bay helped us get the trampoline, she was so surprised and happy
- Sarah, Rhiannon's Mum
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