MORNINGTON Peninsula residents are being asked to support an aqua aerobics fundraiser for a Tyabb mother with multiple sclerosis.
Twelve years ago Susan Abbey was diagnosed with the neuro-degenerative disease that has robbed her of things most people would take for granted. Sadly, her diagnosis has recently been upgraded to secondary progressive MS, which means a steady decline until permanent wheelchair dependency.
Ms Abbey’s friends have rallied around her and formed Susie’s Angels, a fundraising and support group to raise money for medical aids to make life easier for the 41-year-old.
Organiser Sarah McMahon said Somerville shoppers would be familiar with the friendly, smiling face of the Woolworths’ shop assistant, who is presently still able to work 10 hours a week.
“Susie has many regular customers who will wait for her checkout in order to be served by her, and she maintains a very upbeat attitude in what only can be described as daily struggle to do the simplest things.”
By her own admission Ms Abbey, who has just come out of hospital for nerve pain treatment, has her dark days but uses humour as her support and draws on the strengths of her friendships.
“I am beyond words when it comes to the support of my family and friends, it’s wonderful, they’ve always got my back,” she said.
Despite her positive outlook and public show of confidence, Ms Abbey is unable to stand for long, has frequent falls and needs assistance in everyday life.
“We are hoping to raise some money to help her family who have to pay for many items themselves,” Ms McMahon said.
So far the family had had to buy walking aids, a wheelchair, ramps and other items to make life easier for Ms Abbey to be independent, but she has now been told that to continue driving her car needs to be modified again to enable hand controls, at a cost of $8000.
The Aqua Aerobics class at Pelican Park pool in Hastings will be on 25 September at 9.20am.
Tickets: $15.
There will also be a silent auction featuring vouchers and items.
