Erin Shepheard was living the life of an average 18 year old – studying, working part-time and dedicating all her free time to playing footy.
But suddenly being diagnosed with two rare and debilitating diseases means Erin may never be able to walk or see in colour again.
Erin will soon be transferred to a spinal rehabilitation unit and her single dad may have to quit work to look after her and her two siblings.
The Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club, for which Erin played, has created a GoFundMe account to raise money for the family and is running an online auction and a raffle.
Club juniors president Darren Smith says the club is rallying around Erin and her family.
“I think it’s really important we ensure Erin’s family are looked after in their time of need,” Mr Smith said.
“Whether it’s an ailment, or sickness or a dad loses his job – we can all call on the footy community.”
Erin visited Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 3, after coming home from work at the local supermarket with a headache. There was no diagnosis.
By the Monday, the Melton teenager was unable to walk, complained of not having any feeling below her chest and being unable to see.
She was taken to the Sunshine Hospital, where tests discovered lesions on her spine and brain. She was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and neuromyelitis optica.
Erin will require a wheelchair and intensive therapy. The family will need a new vehicle to transport her around.
An online auction has been started on the Facebook page of the Bacchus Marsh Residents group and raffle tickets are being sold to help raise money for the family.
Mr Smith said there would be plenty of opportunity to donate at this Saturday’s home ground matches at Maddingley Park, where Bacchus Marsh will take on Melton.
He is urging everyone to come along, grab a sausage and donate whatever they can.
“Erin’s only 18 – she’s still got so much in front of her,” he said. “What I saw was a girl lying in the hospital bed … but she was smiling, she was laughing, she was giggling at my stupid old-man jokes.
“She was quite upbeat and beautiful. It’s hard to think that a kid could have that sort of vibrancy in this situation.”
To donate, visit gofundme.com/2gqs4pg.
