Four-year-old Sienna Cordell can’t walk like her peers, but soon she will be zooming around with them – if the family can raise enough money for a wheelchair.
One of triplets, the Bacchus Marsh girl was diagnosed with cerebral palsy three years ago. She has been getting around in a second-hand wheelchair for the past six months, and she needs a new one, mum Briohney said.
“We’ve had nothing but problems with her wheelchair,” Ms Cordell said.
“They’ve tried to fix the brakes, they tell me to ‘jemmy it’ back into place – but that’s just dangerous.”
The family was told there would be a waiting period of 12 months before they could apply for funding, so they decided to host a fundraiser and get the customised wheelchair Sienna desperately needs.
If the family can raise $10,500, Sienna’s new wheelchair will be customised to suit her height, weight and abilities and ensure the soon-to-be prep student is comfortable and able to get around with ease.
For the Cordells, everyday life is a struggle. The family spends more than $30,000 every year to cover Sienna’s medical bills.
“When you have a child with a severe disability, you have to be a one-income family,” Ms Cordell said. “But with five kids, being a one-income family is tough; it’s hard to survive.”
AFL players Brian Lake and Dyson Heppell will be at Sienna’s Raceway Night Fundraiser, which is from 7.30pm on Saturday, November 22 at the St Bernards Parish Hall, Lerderderg Street, Bacchus Marsh. Tickets cost $50 and food and drinks will be provided.
To book, call Brad on 0419 508 569.
