Help buy a modified vehicle for a 5 yr old survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome

We all know the importance of keeping our children safe around water to prevent drowning. We were shocked to learn that more children die from being shaken each year in Australia than from drowning.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is not widely discussed in the mainstream media, but every month in Queensland, specialist investigators work tirelessly to hold those accountable who have permanently injured or killed babies and infants within their care. These cases are in addition to those which the police have already solved. The human impact of SBS is harrowing and whilst it is a complex issue, the impacts of it are heart-breaking, permanent and far reaching.

We recently caught up with Amanda, a Brisbane based mother of two beautiful five-year-old twin girls. Amanda is living with the reality of SBS as she raises twin girls, one of whom was shaken and thrown against her cot by her biological father as a tiny 2.5kg premature baby. As a consequence of these life altering actions, her daughter is now permanently brain damaged, blind, fed through a tube, unable to walk and in addition has significant health issues.

The doctors told Amanda her daughter would die in hospital. They turned off her life support system expecting her to pass away but she defied the odds and kept breathing on her own, showing her fighting spirit and will to live. Amanda took her daughter home and through her hard work, dedication and determination, she is now five and is continuing to defy the odds and attend special school whilst Amanda works part-time. Amanda is an amazing mother and leader, a true example of what real love and resilience looks like, wanting to help raise awareness of SBS, so that another family does not have to experience the devastating impact.

Just before Christmas we learned that funds which were meant to help with a modified vehicle for her daughter had been withdrawn. Amanda was starting to contemplate putting her daughter into permanent care after five years of caring for and supporting her girls as the physical repercussions of looking after her had become very difficult to manage as a single parent. We decided it was time to do something positive and lend a helping hand for a good cause, and to support an amazing little family.

With your help, we are hoping to raise the funds needed for Amanda to buy a suitable modified vehicle for her daughter and to allow her to continue raising her twin girls at home together. Thank you for your support and generosity. Every dollar will make a difference.

The Bright Family