A tiny Maddingley girl has the chance of a better life, thanks to the generosity of the tight-knit Bacchus Marsh community.
Little Cailin was recently diagnosed with global developmental delay and suspected cerebral palsy.
Then last week, her distressed parents, Jade Addicott and Marc Robinson, were told she would require ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).
AFOs are custom-made devices that support and control movements of the lower limbs.
Ms Addicott told Star Weekly her orthotist and physiotherapist had suggested the family apply for funding, which would be at least a three-month process, or pay for the AFOs privately at a cost of $1000.
After receiving hand-made children’s toys and clothes to sell at a local market to use the proceeds for the AFOs, Ms Addicott posted a question on the Bacchus Marsh Residents Facebook page on the cost of holding a stall at the Darley Market.
She was surprised by the response from readers.
“The response was overwhelming,” she said. “About 10 people offered to donate more items for me to sell. Some people offered to have a fund-raising event and others suggested I look at a website called Go Fund Me, where people can donate money.”
By Tuesday night the first-time mum had set up a Go Fund Me page and within hours had raised $1200, with Marsh Tech Electrical Services donating $500.
“This is not what I had expected at all,” Ms Addicott said. “I thought we might get a few small donations of $5 or $10, which we could put towards her AFOs.
“It just goes to show there are some extremely generous people in the community. I even had a local cleaning business offer to clean my house so I can spend that time with my daughter.”
The generosity comes in the wake of months of worry for the family, who first noticed the 20-month-old was developing slowly compared to other children at her playgroup.
After countless blood tests, scans and visits to paediatricians for Cailin, her parents received the grim diagnosis. Now they have some hope that their precious girl will get the life she deserves.
“It’s frustrating for everyone, so difficult and draining, especially for Cailin,” Ms Addicott said. “We have no idea what to expect in the future. Will she walk or will she need a wheelchair? Will she talk?
“Everyone just wants the best for their child and for them to reach their full potential, but I don’t even know what her full potential is.”
Ms Addicott said Cailin would get her AFOs as soon as this week and it would make a huge difference to her life.
“I don’t want to get my hopes up, but this will give her the best possible chance of learning to walk,” she said.
As for the generosity of the community, Ms Addicott continues to be overwhelmed.
“I’m still in shock,” she said.
“Every time money came through I cried. I really didn’t expect it. I’m so grateful.”
Jade Addicott and daughter Cailin. Photo: Damjan Janevski
