Meet Kate.

Kate is 26 years old, a bright, cheeky, and fun-loving young woman with dreams of one day becoming a lawyer. She graduated high school with big aspirations for the future and has always been known for her infectious sense of humour, her love of ducks, and her passion for baking. Kate never follows a recipe—she prefers to trust her own flair and creativity, producing cakes and desserts that are often unique, sometimes surprising, and always made with love.

In 2018, after completing Year 12 and taking what was meant to be a gap year before pursuing her future plans, Kate's life changed forever.

What began as pain and numbness in her legs slowly developed into something far more devastating. She began walking differently, gradually lost mobility, and started losing function in her left hand. Despite countless appointments, treatments, and years of fighting, her condition has continued to worsen.

Over the last ten years, Kate has experienced a heartbreaking decline in her health and independence.

Last year alone, she spent 10 months in hospital. When she finally returned home, she faced challenges no young person should have to endure. She now requires a permanent catheter and has lost bladder and bowel function. The left side of her body has become largely paralysed, leaving her unable to use her left hand. Her neck is fixed at an angle that she cannot straighten, and she can no longer stand or walk independently.

At one stage, Kate lost 30 kilograms in just five months because she was unable to eat and drink properly, requiring a feeding tube to receive the nutrition she needed to survive.

Today, Kate relies on a wheelchair for mobility and requires the assistance of carers for many everyday activities, including showering, dressing, preparing meals, and transferring in and out of bed. Tasks most of us take for granted now require significant support and planning.

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking changes has been the impact on her speech and swallowing. Over the past two years, both have deteriorated significantly. There are times when her jaw locks, making it difficult for her to swallow, eat, drink, or speak. For someone who has always been a natural chatterbox—someone who loves making people laugh and brightening a room with her personality—the thought of not being able to communicate or call for help is incredibly frightening.

Despite everything she has endured, Kate continues to face each day with courage, resilience, and determination. She has a can-do attitude but a can't do body.

We are now raising funds to help purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so Kate can attend medical appointments, therapies, family events, and simply participate in everyday life with greater freedom and dignity.

Currently, Kate relies on wheelchair taxis for transport. Each trip costs approximately $20-30 one way, with additional loading fees of $30. Unfortunately, there are only two wheelchair-accessible taxis servicing the entire Shepparton region, and availability is extremely limited. If the taxi is already assisting another passenger, Kate often has no choice but to wait, potentially missing appointments or delaying important treatment.

The ongoing cost is substantial and simply not sustainable long-term.

A wheelchair-accessible vehicle would provide Kate with reliable transportation, greater independence, and the ability to access the medical care and support she needs without being dependent on limited transport services.

As many people know, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are incredibly expensive, even when purchased second-hand. We are doing everything we can to find the most affordable option possible, but we need help to make it happen.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how small the amount, it would mean the world to Kate and those who care for her. Whether it's $5, $30, or simply sharing this page with others, every act of kindness brings us one step closer to giving Kate the freedom and independence she deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kate's story, for your support, and for helping us make a meaningful difference in her life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kate's Family and Friends