Devastated family needs your help through easter

David Copeland, a former Defence analyst and public servant who has made significant contributions to Australia's national security, is in need of support from the community. 282 days ago, Dave's eldest daughter Lily (only 14 years old) was found unresponsive and not breathing by her younger sister Amy. That began the most heartbreaking series of events.

The Copeland family is closely knit and Dave's bond with his daughters is unbreakable. The family has had more than its share of tough breaks over the years, and at times those close to them saw their struggle, but Dave and Jen never prioritised their own needs over anyone else's. They never complain and are highly regarded members of the Harrison ACT community and the public service. Dave and Jen are so proud of their two daughters.

The pain Dave and Jen are experiencing and have already endured for 9 months now is unimaginable.

I vividly recall the feeling of dread when I first heard Lily was fighting for her life in a coma, all those months ago. To give Lily the best chance, she was immediately transported to Sydney. That began a constant series of operations and invasive treatments which unfortunately continue to this day. Lily is in constant pain and her doctors are running out of ideas for how to improve her quality of life.

Dave, Jen and Amy have dedicated their entire existence to Lily's recovery. Their resilience and unwavering hope that their situation will improve against terrible odds, as they show up to the hospital every single day, is awe-inspiring.

Dave and Jen are staying at Ronald McDonald House in Sydney. They are isolated from their Canberra-based support network, their jobs and their home. They face difficult financial decisions: move to Sydney to be near the Children's Hospital, or in the best case, sell their beloved house that they built (with its painstakingly manicured rose garden) to move into a more affordable house that can accommodate Lily's new disabilities.

Lily will permanently require care, so life will never return to what it was for the Copeland family.

My son Blake, also 14 and close friends with Lily, can't yet understand what has happened. This is something teenagers just shouldn't need to deal with. The world can be cruel.

Dave has asked his friends on social media for prayers for Lily's recovery. Dave and Jen also requested Christmas cards to help them feel less socially isolated. I think we can do better than just that, so if you are in a position to do so, please join me to donate something to help reduce the financial strain on the family. We can't heal Lily but we can help her family while they continue to provide unwavering support.

Dave and Jen would never ask for help and they don't yet know about this. I hope we can give them just a tiny bit of Christmas cheer and show them people care.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a well-deserved break. 2022 has been a tough year for many people and a lot of us are looking forward to a better year in 2023.