Boost For Benny

We are Jarrod and Fiona Lloyd, and this is what we believe our beautiful son, Benny would say if he could...

Hi, my name is Benny and I am 5 years old.  I live with my parents, Jarrod and Fiona, and my older brother, Jimmy.  My nickname has always been Benny Booster and so Mum is naming my charity ‘Boost for Benny’ to help achieve the developmental boost that I need.
I was born with hydrocephalus and a cyst on my brain - I also have cerebral palsy and autism.  I have had far too many surgeries in my life and don’t particularly like hospital, although it’s ok when Mum is there.  Mum is my champion and she feeds me every night through a tube in my stomach.  I think she and my doctors would like me to gain more weight and eat more during the day.  I also think she would like me to talk to people, and sleep more. She says I’m a ‘challenge’ to get to sleep!  She thinks getting better at these things will help my development.

I go to a school called AEIOU, which is an early intervention school for kids with autism. It is great, and I am learning so much there. I have moved rooms in the school, and am now in the Moon Room, which is for the biggest kids! This is my last year at this school, and next year I will go somewhere else. I have learnt so much here, and am learning new things every day. I can read now, and I like reading Jimmy’s books that he brings home from school. It is like a new world is unlocking for me, and I am enjoying every minute of it.  Mum and Dad believe in me and can see my potential. One day I would love to be able to go to school with Jimmy and his friends.

Of all the things in the world, after Mum, Dad and Jimmy, I love animals the best.  I really love puzzles with animals in it.  Mum says I even sing Old MacDonald in my sleep!   Maybe one day I can work with animals? I have started riding a horse with ‘Riding For The Disabled’ at Petrie and I really love it there.
We have an assistance dog now, his name is Captain. He is a special friend, who helps me when we go out to walk places, and stops me wandering off. He is also teaching me to be gentle, and he helps me sleep at night. When we go places now, people want to talk to us because of Captain, instead of staring. It is nice to feel part of the world, and I love my dog very much.

Each week Mum takes me to therapists to work on my skills.  Apparently I need more help with my motor, speech, feeding, cognitive and behavioural skills. After a lot of hard work, I am using my words a lot now, and it is a lot easier than it used to be.  I love using the iPad too - Mum has been looking at new software for me.
I think this all costs her and Dad a lot.
Our gorgeous son is such a pleasure to be with and he brings out the best in everyone he meets.  If not for the support we have had, Ben wouldn’t have had the opportunities described above.  Our family is so grateful for the help allowing Ben such chances.  We would love for him to reach his full potential and we know there is much more to unlock, with the right help.  However, we need financial assistance - there are a number of ways to achieve this, including:

• Taking part in The Developing Foundation’s Annual Riverwalk.  Held on Saturday, 13th September 2014 at Orleigh Park, Hill End Terrace, West End.  You can register to walk alongside our family, join us in collecting donations for this event or by promoting it amongst friends, family and work colleagues. www.riverwalk.org.au
• You can make a donation on our webpage to help us reach our fundraising target. http://www.developingfoundation.org.au/family/boostforbenny Look for the Donate now button on this page. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. You can also share this site with friends and family.
• Please visit our Facebook page https://facebook.com/boostforbenny and press LIKE.
• We will have other fundraising events from time to time which will be listed on this website. http://www.developingfoundation.org.au/help-give-raise-funds/personal-appeals and on his facebook page.
• You can even create your own personal appeal for our Ben.  See the left column of this page or click this link http://www.developingfoundation.org.au/help-give-raise-funds.

If you have questions or ideas for fundraising please feel free to contact Jarrod or myself on our email boostforbenny@yahoo.com or on 0405 045 605.