The Steve Waugh Foundation Has Effectively Given Liam The

Photos courtesy of Jack Atley www.jackatley.com THE STEVE WAUGH FOUNDATION HAS EFFECTIVELY GIVEN LIAM THE OPPORTUNITY To ‘wALK AND Talk’ Steve Waugh, former Australian Cricket Captain, remains one of crickets most recognized, revered and respected players. World renowned for his sporting achievements, business acumen and commitment to philanthropy, Steve Waugh’s currency is his well-known and respected strength of character, integrity and credibility, on and off the sporting field. ‘The families affected by rare diseases are medically disenfranchised population that fall through the cracks of every health care system in the world.’ Abbey S. Meyers, President National Organisation for Rare Illnesses. (NORD, USA). The Steve Waugh Foundation is taking on the challenge of improving the lives of children and families affected by a rare disease. MY NAME IS KAREN TITTERTON, I’M The difference the C3 wheelchair has We cannot thank you guys enough LIAM’S MUM. WE HAVE 5 CHILDREN, made to Liam’s comfort and support for all you have done to help Liam. LIAM IS OUR THIRD AND WAS BORN has been extraordinary. Liam gave me We’d truly have waited for more A TYPICALLY DEVELOPED CHILD, my first standing up unsupported hug years than I care to imagine because MEETING ALL HIS EARLY MILESTONES. the day he got this chair, the first real government funding bodies don’t cuddle he’s ever given her me. You have see communication as a strong need Liam became ill at 5 months old. After no idea how great this was. Liam’s in young children and DO NOT fund 6 long weeks, over 500 tests and 20 quite tall when he stands, a good stand up wheel chairs for ANY child, doctors and specialists, we were told kissing height…well for me anyway. as they are not a necessity. Apparently Liam had ADEM (Acute Disseminating only adults need to stand!! Encephalomyopathy) with a question Liam has the power to make himself mark. Doctors would never know for more comfortable and independent. We are just one family and one story. sure or be able to tell us what the He doesn’t seem to have as many There are millions of other families future held for Liam. My life, as I knew dystonic spasms now he can move here in Australia and overseas with it changed forever. himself into different positions when their own stories to tell. We all need he feels them starting to happen. the continued support so Liam, and In 2008 we were granted by the all others with a rare disease don’t Steve Waugh Foundation a Dynavox Liam suffers from constipation, this fall through the cracks and become V communication device, and last has also been alleviated since using s forgotten aspect of society. We’ve Christmas (2011), the best Christmas this chair. The fact that he could stand always tried to live a normal a life with present ever - a LEVO stand up with ease and wee, is very exciting, for Liam, now it’s much easier to do! wheelchair C3 model in metallic blue both him and all of the family! with a Bluetooth R-Net control system. The chair has put less strain on Ross and The Dynavox I’m positive has given I, having to repeatedly reposition him; ‘To make a positive impact you have to give Liam the vocabulary that he has today. and we’ll be able to resume bike riding 100% every day, be it on the cricket field, in It’s been amazing to watch Liam find as a family now Liam can keep up with business or helping a child’. his voice; he has a wicked, mischievous us, and he can go jogging with me. Steve Waugh AO streak, a great sense of humour. If you would like to support the Steve Waugh Foundation visit www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au.

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