Goo-Ujin's Story

Goo-Ujin embarks on her schooling journey with confidence

A Variety Grant has helped Goo-Ujin’s family to afford the specialised therapy and equipment she needs to thrive.

Goo-Ujin is a bright and cheeky five-year-old, full of curiosity and affection for the world around her.

She loves nothing more than playing with cars and dolls alongside her little brother and snuggling with her parents.

But Goo-Ujin’s journey has been anything but easy.

“When Goo-Ujin was born at just 32 weeks, an MRI brain scan revealed she had experienced a neonatal stroke, leading to a diagnosis of epilepsy and congenital heart disease,” said Amanda Lidis, Goo-Ujin’s Occupational Therapist.

“Nine months later, her parents noticed she couldn’t move her right hand and was weight bearing on her right toe. After a visit to the neurologist, they discovered she had Cerebral Palsy.”

Through it all, Goo-Ujin has remained a joyful and determined little girl despite her limited mobility and the ongoing support she needs.

“Goo-Ujin can’t walk independently, so she gets around by crawling short distances, being carried or using a stroller which is becoming increasingly difficult as she grows,” said Amanda.

“While her right hand is predominantly affected, she faces challenges using either hand for fine motor tasks and needs help with everything from putting on a t-shirt to holding a pencil or playing with toys.”

With Goo-Ujin set to start school next year, her family was committed to providing her with the independence and social inclusion she should have but financial constraints made it impossible to afford the specialised therapy and equipment she needs to thrive.

That’s when hope arrived. Thanks to two successful Variety grant applications, the family secured funds for school readiness therapy valued at $2000 through the We Care Therapy Grant, along with a brand-new Zippie Xcape manual wheelchair with power assist, valued at $18,0000, through the We Move Grant.

This investment in Goo-Ujin’s future has already transformed her daily life.

“In just three lessons, Goo-Ujin has learned to drive the wheelchair herself! She can go, stop and turn around, and she’s enjoying steering towards her favourite toys and playing hide and seek with her younger brother,” said Amanda.

“It’s truly amazing to watch. Goo-Ujin has never experienced this kind of freedom or confidence before. We’ve already taken her to the shops and the park, and next year when she starts kindergarten, she’ll be able to navigate the school on her own and make friends.”

The school readiness therapy – including speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy – will further empower Goo-Ujin to improve her communication skills, drawing, and handwriting.

“We can’t thank Variety enough. Thanks to you, Goo-Ujin now has the opportunity to move, play and learn – just like every child deserves.”

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Variety – the Children’s Charity supports kids (aged 0-18) who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability. Our vision at Variety is for all Australian children to attain their full potential, regardless of ability or background. We’re passionate about all kids deserving a fair go, believing no child should fall through the gaps.

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