FOR the past year, a Bacchus Marsh-based woman has been raising awareness and funds to accommodate for her son\u2019s rare genetic condition.<\/p>\n
With a film night set to take place at the Regent later next month, Michelle Ross is aiming to purchase a wheelchair-accessible car for her son Caleb, who in May was diagnosed with an unnamed condition affecting the Neurod2 protein gene.<\/p>\n
Having also been diagnosed with ADHD and autism at three years old, Caleb experiences frequent pain and mobility limitations, requiring regular use of a wheelchair.<\/p>\n
With his condition worsening, Ms Ross said their need is becoming more and more urgent.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the last few months, he\u2019s gotten a lot worse with his muscle deterioration and pain so he has to use his wheelchair a lot more,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe now require an electric wheelchair because he\u2019s getting very frustrated with the manual one and not being independent or control himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wheelchair will be funded through NDIS but a wheelchair-accessible car won\u2019t be. I\u2019ll obviously need a car that\u2019s got more than two seats and wheelchair access in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a modified KIA Carnival in mind, the family will need $55,000 for the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Through their GoFundMe page, the family was able to acquire a golden retriever assistance dog called Goldie for Caleb with $10,000, and shifted focus from his training when a car became a greater priority.<\/p>\n
Although they\u2019re receiving an electric wheelchair through NDIS, an accessible car is not covered through the scheme.<\/p>\n
Caleb currently uses a temporary electric wheelchair, though Ms Ross said the current setup still isn\u2019t ideal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt folds up and all that but it weighs about 25, 30 kilos which I\u2019m lifting in and out of the car every day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been better than the manual but it\u2019s not suitable with everything we need. It\u2019s killing me as well to lift it, and it takes up the whole boot of the car.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Ross has not been able to apply for a loan for the car due to a workplace incident that\u2019s left her on WorkCover for the past four years.<\/p>\n
Caleb\u2019s cause will come to Ballarat on Saturday, 27 May with a fundraiser screening of The Little Mermaid at Regent Cinemas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to try to organise a raffle or auction on the day as well,\u201d Ms Ross said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make it a fun movie for kids and accessible for everyone that generally wouldn\u2019t be able to take their kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets for the movie night are $20. For more information or to book, contact calebneurod2@outlook.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOR the past year, a Bacchus Marsh-based woman has been raising awareness and funds to accommodate for her son\u2019s rare genetic condition. With a film night set to take place at the Regent later next month, Michelle Ross is aiming to purchase a wheelchair-accessible car for her son Caleb, who in May was diagnosed with […]<\/p>\n