Help Eva enjoy family outings with a disability stroller

Hi, my name is Claire and I am a friend of a beautiful family from Gidgegannup, Felicity and Michael Banning and their two girls, Ally and Eva.

Michael, Felicity, Eva and Ally Banning

Felicity and Michael are a big part of the community, and are the first to put their hand up to volunteer to help at school and sports events. Felicity has welcomed and supported new parents in her liaison parent role at school, even while managing Eva’s health concerns.

Earlier this year Eva, aged 7, unexpectedly started to lose her balance, to the point that she lost the ability to walk. Eva was admitted to Perth Children’s Hospital, and spent her 7th birthday there. Eva’s beautiful smile has lit up many lives, including all the staff at PCH.

In September Eva’s diagnosis was finally confirmed, a rare neurological condition known as IRF2BPL. It’s so rare that there are only a few other recorded cases, and none that have progressed as quickly as Eva. It’s also known as NEDAMSS (neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, abnormal movements, loss of speech and seizures). You can read more about this disorder here: https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/irf2bpl/

Eva receiving Physiotherapy at PCH

The family regularly attend Little Athletics with both girls, but sadly Eva is no longer able to participate without a specially designed stroller.

Eva’s OT has recommended the Josi-Go stroller for Eva to be able to return to her much loved athletics. The stroller also has additional cycle and beach attachments that they would love to get to be able to take Eva on family outings. Eva loves the beach, and her family would love to be able to take her there.

A Josi-Go stroller

Felicity and Michael have been quoted $11,850 for the Josi-Go stroller and attachments. As Eva’s condition has deteriorated so quickly over the last few months, they would love to be able to get this stroller sooner rather than later. The rare genetic neurological disorder that Eva has been diagnosed with is degenerative, and because it is so unknown, and the progression has been so quick over the past few months, they just don’t know what the future holds.

Eva has the most beautiful, contagious smile, lighting up any room she enters. Let’s keep her lovely smile going!

Update: We have reached the goal for the Banning family to be able to purchase the Josi-Go stroller, thanks to all the generous donors.

As the community want to continue to help Eva, Eastern Hills Little Athletics Centre are organising a Lap-a-Thon, so we have increased the target amount.