Chantelle Lawrence is hoping the Variety appeal will help finance her electronic wheelchair so that she can get around unassisted.

At only 13, Chantelle Lawrence has already seen the inside of more hospitals than most people will in a lifetime.

Born with a rare progressive neuromuscular condition known as Dejerine-Sottas Syndrome, Chantelle has endured 10 operations, including two hip reconstructions.

The West Moreton Anglican School year nine student is among the local children who Variety Queensland hopes to assist as part of its Variety Friday Radio Appeal on River 94.9 on Friday, June 11.

Mother Kerri said her daughter has inherited the condition from her father Raymond, who through a spontaneous gene mutation was diagnosed with the same condition close to 30 years ago.

Mrs Peters said while the family had received assistance to purchase an electric wheelchair through the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme, they still faced a gap payment of more than $700.

The Brassall resident said the family also recently had to modify their home to better accommodate their daughter’s needs.

“We have renovated the bathroom and still have to do the kitchen,” Mrs Peters said.

“It is all ongoing costs.

“Raymond had to have his hip done last year and I had heart problems.

“It all mounts up and it can be difficult.”

Mrs Peters said monetary assistance through the appeal would mean her daughter could enjoy the freedom others took for granted, such as going to class on her own unassisted.

The Queensland Times general manager Steve Portas said the QT was fully supportive of the Variety Friday Appeal.

The children’s charity supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Variety Queensland has received more than $60,000 worth of requests for support in the region.

“The Variety appeal provides assistance to quite a number of needy Ipswich families and it is a great feeling to be able to make a difference to somebody’s life,” he said.

For more information about making a donation or hosting a Variety Friday event at your school or workplace in support of local kids, phone Variety Queensland on 3367 6999 or log on to www.varietyqld.org.au.

From the Macedon Ranges Leader, by Barry Kennedy:

Amber Jepsen was one of 10 children to receive a Lions Club Children of Courage award

CARLSRUHE’S Amber Jepsen has a growing set of hobbies including horse riding, playing the keyboard, card games, drawing, painting and writing.

The seven-year-old is confident she will be a famous author and knows the full dimensions of her parent’s farm because she loves taking her dog for a walk in her electric wheelchair.

Amber’s many passions come despite some crippling setbacks caused by Charcot Marie Tooth disease of which she has an even rarer strand, Dejerine Sottas.

The neurological disorder affects signals from the brain to the spine and muscles making joints and muscles loose and fragile.

The disorder has prompted a range of physical impairments and health scares with hip and ankle surgery as well as having her spine stapled.

Amber’s mother Shelley said her daughter has no concept she even has a problem.

“She has lots of friends at Newham Primary School and at home she just hangs off everything as she criss-crosses the house,” she said.

Mrs Jepsen said the family knew the Royal Children’s Hospital too well especially as her health issues spanned many specialists.

Amber’s plucky attitude was last month honoured in the Lions Club Children of Courage award under the special needs category for children who have endured lengthy periods in hospital or with pain and trauma.

Chairperson of the awards Julie Starec said all of the nominees, aged between five and 15 had attempted to overcome their obstacles and improve the quality of their lives.

Ten children were nominated this year for the region incorporating the Macedon Ranges, Melton, Sunbury and Castlemaine including Ingrid Gersbeck from Clarkefield, 8 and Shae Benfell, 5, from Riddells Creek.

Sunburys Sophie Geytenbeek,12, also received an award for her strength suffering congenital heart disease. Molly Clohessy, 9, was awarded for her resilience in treatment for Dravet Syndrome. Patty Carlyon, 13, was awarded for an inspirational battle with leukaemia and Bulla’s Nathan Smith, 14, was awarded for his achievement over coming asthma to compete at a national level in swimming.