Plight sparks funds push

By Rebecca Fraser
A FATHER of three was so touched by a Narre Warren South family’s plight to provide for their severely disabled daughter that he has launched a community fundraising campaign.
John Radu of Endeavour Hills read in the News about Terry and Anne Schade’s desperate attempts to raise $55,000 to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
The vehicle would be used to transport their 12-year-old daughter Tara, who 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. Mr Radu, a senior salesperson at Clive Peeters in Dandenong, said he had been greatly moved by the Schade family’s story and its attempts to raise money for Tara.
He said he would work hard to promote their cause and encourage his co-workers and shoppers to make donations.
“I encourage all good hearted people and staff and clients to donate and find whatever they can before Christmas,” he said.
“This story touched me as normally I would just put my hand in my wallet and pull out $10 or $20 but in this case I know this will not do.
“I encourage all stores to help out.”
Mr Radu said he thanked God every day for giving him three healthy children and really wanted to restore the Schade family’s faith in humanity and their community.
“I believe the burden this family has is, by far, too much.
“The mother and family provides care 24 hours a day with no relief.
“I know that I cannot take that pain away or bring Tara’s health back, but what I can do is restore their faith in humans and give this family some sense of relief,” he said.
Mr Radu has called on local businesses to donate and had been speaking to local car dealerships about the possibility of finding a suitable vehicle for the family.
As reported on in the News Ms Schade has been sending letters to businesses and charitable organisations for years trying to raise funds to purchase the vehicle.
She even wrote to the Oprah Winfrey Show and Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates in a desperate attempt to gain the money.
This week Ms Schade said she had received no financial offers of support since the article appeared but had received three phone calls from families with disabled children.
“Nothing financial has come about, which has been very disappointing,” she said.
“It is always nice to meet new people and have a bit of a heart to heart, but if we fail with this (raising funds) it does not give people much hope.
“It just makes caring for children with disabilities harder that what it could be.”
Ms Schade welcomed Mr Radu’s gesture and said she hoped more people and businesses would come forward.
Anyone interested in making a donation can visit Clive Peeters in Dandenong, located at the corner of Frankston-Dandenong Road and Zenith Road, or call Terry and Anne Schade on 8790 5627 or email t.schadebigpond.com