Car plea apathy

By Rebecca Fraser
A NARRE Warren South mother says she fears losing her severely disabled daughter as she struggles to physically care for her.
Anne Schades’ 12-year-old daughter Tara has cerebral palsy with global epilepsy and is both intellectually and physically disabled.
She is confined to a wheelchair with no hope of independent mobility.
In December the News reported the Schade family’s desperate plight to raise $55,000 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle so they could transport Tara.
Since then the family has received just $645 in donations and Mrs Schade said she and husband Terry were becoming more exasperated and disheartened by the day.
Mrs Schade told the News in December that she had written to countless businesses and charitable organisations over the years, even contacting the Oprah and Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates in a bid to raise the funds.
But in a gesture that has restored some faith in her sense of humanity two elderly pensioners contacted Mrs Schade just before Christmas donating $45 between them. She said the ‘sweet’ gesture had meant the world to her.
Mrs Schade also has been heartened by Endeavour Hills father of three John Radu’s attempts to raise funds for their cause at his place of work, Clive Peeters in Dandenong.
He called on local businesses to donate to the cause (News 15 December) and organised donation points at the Dandenong store.
“He is trying to advocate on our behalf, but when I spoke with him last, he also has been disappointed with the lack of response from the public,” Mrs Schade said.
“He is stubborn enough to persevere for a little while to try and see if anything will come of it, but he now understands my exasperation in not getting anywhere.”
In a further blow to the family Mrs Schade, who cares for Tara full time, is experiencing intense spinal pain, from lifting Tara.
Visits to the chiropractor and X-rays have shown that the mother of two now has early stage osteoarthritis in the neck and degeneration down her spine.
Mrs Schade said her chiropractor agreed that her condition was caused by caring for Tara, and she would write a support letter to attach with the Schades’ letter to the State Government, seeking help and support.
“My fear of losing my daughter is because I can’t physically care for her anymore. This is tearing me apart and the constant ongoing battle to obtain daily help, in helping me care for her, is wearing me down,” she said.
Mrs Schade said Tara was desperate for friendships with other children, but the inability to access the community, because of a lack of suitable transport, was creating challenging behaviour.
To donate to the family contact Anne and Terry on 8790 5627 or email t.schade@bigpond .com.