I am now a confirmed lunatic! I have registered to take part in the Youngcare Simpson Desert Challenge 2015.
Why? Ten years ago, the Nine Network's 60 Minutes ran a story featuring Shevaune and David Conry and their struggle to find age appropriate care for Shevy as she battled against MS. Shevaune's story brought attention to a massive hole in our health care system and inspired a nation to want to help address this issue. David and a few of his mates came together to create Youngcare.
Ten year's on there are still over 7,000 young Australians with full-time care needs living in aged care simply because there are few alternatives. There are also 700,000 more young Australians being cared for at home by family and friends, often with limited support. Simply there is still plenty of work to be done and Youngcare is determined to help resolve these issues.
I will be taking on four months of intensive training to prepare me to trek approximately 300km through the geographical centre of the Simpson Desert to gain a greater understanding of the isolation and hardships faced by young Australians who have no choice but to live in aged care.
I have set a fundraising target of $35,000 which will assist Youngcare in:
• Building more relevant and age-appropriate housing – in Sydney and Brisbane
• Provide information and support via the Youngcare Connect service
• Provide Grants to keep young people, who are at a high risk of entering aged care, at home in the care of their loved ones.
• Undertake world first research to better understand the needs and wants of young Aussies with 24/7 care needs.
You can help me work towards my goal by sponsoring me. Your donation big or small will help make a profound impact on the lives of young Australians in desperate need.
I'm sure you are inundated with many of these requests so appreciate you considering this opportunity to support Youngcare's incredible work.
Many thanks,
Kylie x