Anyssa's Advocates

I-M-A-G-I-N-E having the symptoms of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy and Anxiety all at once!

Hi, my name is Anyssa and I am 7 years old.  I am the special girl who was the 1 in 10,000th born with a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome.  I love to watch DVDs, go for drives in my car and listen to music (techno is my favourite).  I also enjoy spending time with my family, visiting the shops, being sung to, having stories read and swinging on the liberty swing.  I have a mummy (Tracey) and Daddy (Lou) who absolutely adore me.  I also have a pet kitten (Peppa) that I like to play with and two pet fish that I like to watch swim around and be crazy in their tanks.

ANYSSA'S STORY

Our beautiful Anyssa was born a happy, healthy little girl who developed normally for almost the first year of life.  That was until the regression began and she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.  RS is a random mutation found on the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome.  It leads to a breakdown in brain function and has trapped Anyssa in a body that doesn’t work properly.
Anyssa knows what she wants to say and do but her body just won’t cooperate.  RS has robbed her of the ability to walk, talk, use her hands and eat.  She suffers from severe epilepsy and has scoliosis.  Anyssa is fed through a feeding tube in her tummy because she cannot swallow safely.  She is totally dependent on us for everything.

ANYSSA'S NEEDS
Anyssa has been growing a lot lately and at 29kg, is a little too heavy to be lifted safely into and out of our present car. The need for a wheelchair friendly vehicle has now become a top priority for our family.  It will make transporting Anyssa so much easier and also save our backs!
Anyssa uses a wheelchair, which is approved for traveling in when in a modified car. However, costs associated with purchasing an appropriate vehicle and then having it converted to accommodate her wheelchair is proving quite high.  By reaching our target amount we will be able to fully fund the conversion and have that little bit extra to assist in obtaining a suitable vehicle.
Any additional funds raised above our target will be used to help offset the cost of ongoing therapies and for specialised equipment that Anyssa will continue to need as she grows.

You Can Help By:

• Using the “MAKE A DONATION” button on our web page to make an online donation and receive a tax-deductible receipt for donations of $2 or more.
• Raising awareness and collecting donations to sponsor “Anyssa’s Advocates” at the annual Brisbane Riverwalk Event.  Pre-printed receipts books are supplied from the Developing Foundation Inc.  You can also come along and support us!
• To learn more visit:  http://www.developingfoundation.org.au/help-give-raise-funds/riverwalk.
• Spreading the word and sharing this page with all your family, friends, colleagues and anyone else you think may be able to assist. 

Every little bit really does help! 

(The Developing Foundation commits 90% of funds raised by or donated to ”Anyssa’s Advocates”. The remaining 10% is used by the charity to cover credit card charges, administration and support expenses).

OUR VISION: For Anyssa to continue hoping, dreaming and to keep smiling!
We sincerely thank you for any support you can offer and are so very grateful for your kindness.
Lou, Tracey & Anyssa.
Contact us at:  anyssasadvocates@gmail.com
Check Anyssa out on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckFW5EcS3PM