By BRIDGET SCOTT
FOR Sharon Brown, simple tasks that many people take for granted are starting to come at a cost.
Ms Brown, affectionately known as ‘Shazzy’ has Huntington’s disease, a genetic and degenerative disorder that effects muscle co-ordination and leads to cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
Ms Brown, who lives in Narre Warren South and has family in Cranbourne, lost her mother to the disorder and also has two brothers affected by it.
Despite this, friend Joanne Lillie said Shazzy is never seen without a smile on her face and she wanted to do something for her.
“Shazzy and her entire family have the most amazing and positive attitude that I have ever seen,” she said.
“That’s the number one reason why I am doing this.”
Ms Lillie, who has worked with Shazzy for the past 10 years, will hold a fundraiser at the Comics Lounge on 5 October from 1.30pm until 6pm which will include lunch and a show.
Shazzy was previously a nurse but was forced to step down from this as her condition worsened.
She now works one day a week at Monash on the computers.
“We worked together in the heart and lung surgery ward for around 10 years,” Ms Lillie said.
“She was diagnosed last year.”
Ms Lillie said the idea is to raise awareness about the condition as well as money for Shazzy’s family.
“I wanted to try and do something to say ‘we are here to support you’,” she said.
“I would like her to go on a nice holiday or do something to spoil herself while she is able to.”
Ms Lillie said the debilitating disease has started to take more of a toll in the past six months.
“I never hear Shazzy complain about anything although I know the simple things are becoming more difficult for her as days go by,” she said.
“She can no longer work as a nurse or drive a car, she loses her balance, has difficulty speaking, remembering things and swallowing.”
The fundraiser is only $40 for lunch and a show from 1.30pm until 6pm, or $25 for just a show from 3pm until 6pm.
Purchase tickets online at www.thecomicslounge.com.au.
