At the age of 3, Rhian Sandstrom was unexpectedly diagnosed with a tumour behind her eye.  Within a week of diagnosis, Rhian had her eye removed and was faced with 6 months of scheduled Chemotherapy.

With medical bills mounting, Rhian’s parents financially  were unable to finish off their plans for a play safe backyard.  An unfinished and sandy backyard was unsafe for Rhian to play in and was forcing her to be indoors.  WA Charity Direct completed the backyard with lawn and specialised play equipment for little Rhian to enjoy.

Alanah-Nicole Kirkby was born with physical and cognitive disabilities and has developed significant health issues.  As Alanah has grown, so has her wheelchair and the current family car can no longer accommodate her equipment.  As Alanah is about to begin pre school 5 days per week, the family was in urgent need of a bigger vehicle.

WA Charity Direct purchased a special purpose van for the family.  This has allowed Alanah to be seated in her specialised Zippie wheelchair whilst being transported, which has been an enormous help for Mum Veronica.  The van is spacious enough to transport the medical equipment Alanah is required to travel with and comfortable for other family members.

Lisa Harris was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is finding it difficult to complete everyday tasks.  During our hot Perth Summer’s, Lisa finds it unbearable, as her body is unable to regulate it’s temperature.

Upon application, WA Charity Direct purchased and installed a ducted evaporative air- conditioning unit in the Kitchen of her home.  Lisa and her family have a long history of supporting various  charities, so WA Charity Direct were only to happy to be of assistance.

Claude Collard was born premature at 23 weeks and is severely disabled and relies on full time care from his Mum and Dad.  Over the years, Claude has spent a lot of time at Princess Margaret Hospital receiving treatment.

WA Charity Direct has assisted the family by contributing to the mounting medical costs, as well as completing some home modifications.  An in-house railing system has been installed to help transport Claude around the family home, where it is not suitable for his wheelchair.

Connect Groups is a unique not for profit, community based organisation that provides support and assistance for individuals and support groups with start-up, ongoing development, advocacy and networking.

Over the years, WA Charity Direct have developed a relationship with Connect Groups and have funded the start up of small community support groups.  One such example is the Depression Support Group GenWHY? and more recently WA Families Special Needs.  Each group has identified a need within the community and provide a very valuable service within the community.

Debbie Mellican was a Mental Health Nurse working at Swan Districts Hospital.  One day at work in 2004, Debbie was violently attacked by a patient and almost died.

Debbie and her fiance has just moved into their newly built house, so WA Charity Direct completed the landscaping.  With help from Landscapes WA & Thompson’s Retaining & Fencing, both front and backyard were completely landscaped, allowing Debbie to have peaceful garden environment to rehabilitate in.

Lauren Quinn was born with a rare genetic muscle disorder which affects her skeletal muscles.  As a result, Lauren can only walk very short distances on her K Walker, however relies mostly on her wheelchair.

WA Charity Direct provided financial assistance towards modifications for the family car.  The modifications will be able accommodate Lauren’s cumbersome wheelchair, other required medical equipment and enables the family to travel together.

Joel Warren was born with the rare neuro-genetic disorder – Angelman Syndrome and Juvenile Arthritis.  Joel has limited mobility and relies on his Mum for most of his care

Joel is a happy boy who loves to spend time outside.  WA Charity Direct paid for some backyard renovations including a patio and a secure outdoor safe play area for Joel to enjoy all year round.

Annette Angel has been diagonised with Multiple Sclerosis and is the sole parent for her son Cody.  Cody has developmental issues contributed by Aspergers Syndrome related to Autism. Accessing the community was becoming increasingly difficult for Annette and the task of taking Cody to school each morning was becoming a real challenge.

WA Charity Direct purchased a dual seat scooter for the Angel Family.  The scooter has given Annette back her mobility and more importantly Cody now has access to the community.  Annette can now take Cody to and from school each day, which is thoroughly enjoyed by both Mother and Son.

Tara Preston was diagnosed at the age of 26 with early onset of Parkinson Disease.  Unfortunately the disease progressed rapidly and Tara is now at the stage where she can not be left unassisted at any stage.  Tara’s condition now requires a qualified full time carer for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Upon application, WA Charity Direct paid for a full time carer for Tara over a period of 12 months.  This has enabled Tara’s husband to continue to work full time to support the Preston Family.