Raising respite for the Rogers

April 15, 2015

15-year-old Sarah Rogers is a happy kid that enjoys music, going to school and playing with her brother and sister, but she also requires constant care for her basic needs.

Sarah has Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Epilepsy, Scoliosis and a vision impairment. She is unable to walk or talk, or eat by herself, and requires a BiPAP machine to regulate her breathing.

With Sarah often in and out of hospital, mum Lorelle Rogers says that the family focusses on enjoying each day.

“You never know with Sarah, when she could be in hospital. We just enjoy the time we have. She could have years left in her, but we don’t know,” said Lorelle.

The Rogers family turned to Very Special Kids when Sarah was 11, for respite care at Very Special Kids Hospice and emotional support.

Lorelle said that having access to Very Special Kids Hospice makes everything easier.

“With Sarah’s deteriorating health we have not been able to access other respite care services; she needs nurse’s care.

“I don’t have to worry when she’s at the hospice. She’s safe and she knows the staff.

“It allows me to have one on one time with our other children. It can be hard to find that time,” she said.

From 22 to 23 May more than 1,000 participants will run the 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge to raise funds for children in 24 hour care at Very Special Kids Hospice. To sponsor a runner visit www.vsktreadmill.org.au.