A Whitsunday mother whose son was diagnosed with autism some 14 months ago says her life changed forever when she began talking to people about her only child Riley.Debbie Henshell’s three year old son was diagnosed with autism just over a year ago.
“Riley is awesome. He is non-verbal … but he is starting to learn to talk now. For the first six months since I found out he was autistic I didn’t talk to anyone … and that does not help at all. Maybe I was slightly embarrassed about the label, I was in disbelief … it was just a combination of so many things and I stuck my head in the sand,” Ms Henshell said.
Some six months later and this passionate mother has certainly come a long way. She is now holding the reigns to one of the Whitsundays biggest autism fundraisers which is gathering momentum among businesses in the Whitsundays and continues this Friday night at the Reef Gateway Hotel.
“In our support group there are 23 people and that is just the people we know about … I believe there are a lot more people out there who are affected by autism and we want to let people know that this group is open to everyone."
Ms Henshell says a few months ago she started taking Riley to the AEIOU foundation in Townsville which has been a huge inspiration behind her fundraising.
“Many people are still taking their kids to Brisbane, but I want people to know that there are intensive specialised programs right here in north Queensland.”
This month is Autism Awareness Month, and Autism Queensland has launched a new campaign “Go Blue for Autism” to raise funds and awareness of the condition, which Ms Henshell has grabbed hold of with both hands.
“I have received such an overwhelming amount of support from local businesses which is why we are having the spinoff raffle this Friday night at the Reef Gateway Hotel,” she said.
Tickets in the major prize, which will be drawn in conjunction with Rotary Club of Airlie Beach on May 23, can be purchased from many Proserpine businesses including Trish-Annes’ Beauty, Sirene Sea Pearls, Cherry Baby, Blackies Produce, The News Express and Fitness Venue.
“Even if people don’t want to buy tickets, at least they can pick up a brochure and see what our group is about and what support we offer,” she said.
No comments:
Post a Comment