Thanks to the generous fundraising efforts of Westpac staff and the Westpac Foundation, 4-year-old Emily received a brand new manual wheelchair. A few months later, JMF stepped in to grant her a tray and a bottle holder for her wheelchair.

Emily has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Type II, a degenerative genetic disease that results in the loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord, affecting her voluntary movement. This condition has left Emily with muscle weakness and limited mobility, making her susceptible to chest infections due to weak respiratory muscles. She is also developing a spinal curve that will require surgery in the future. Emily is unable to walk or crawl, relying on others to move her from one place to another. Although she can sit independently, she cannot hold herself upright.

The manual wheelchair provided a significant boost to Emily's confidence and reduced the physical strain on her caregivers, especially outside her daycare hours. The addition of the tray and bottle holder will further enhance Emily's independence and quality of life.