Tamara Curnuck - Toowoomba Fund Raiser - Summer 2004
Proceeds from the Be Ready - Job ReadyThe fundraising activity was widely advertised to all staff and students of SQIT Toowoomba campuses. Many people had questions about Debra and EB and Tamara stated this activity has increased an awareness of both. There was a total of 93 registrations for the conference, which is the highest for a conference of that type at SQIT Toowoomba campus. Overall the conference was considered a great success and a great deal of credit for that achievement goes to all of those that supported it. Local businesses donated goods and time to conference. http://www.sqit.tafe.net
Lending support to family in Hong Kong - 17/12/2004
Debra Queensland has been contacted regarding a new born boy that has been diagnosed with EB in Hong Kong, the subtype is not yet determined, some blisters are healing and scarring not yet evident. He is feeding and the medical crews seem to be adapting well to the needs of the patient.Like many of us this has come as a shock to the family and we hope that our website information provides some insight for the parents, family and the team of doctors and nurses who will be treating the patient. Like with many new born, prevention of septic infection is a high on their priority list. We trust that the teams will develop strategies for nutrition, motor skill development (physiotherapy/hydrotherapy), treatment methods suitable for the subtype of EB post diagnosis, parental support and suitable environmental conditions such as clothing, climate control and handling techniques.
We hope the family can find within them the foresight that many of us with EB children have learnt in hindsight and wish to convey that Debra Queensland is standing by to assist with any questions and guidance. Strength be with the parents and friends and wish them the patience and faith to realise this disorder is skin deep.
Original Crafts - Various Arts and Crafts
The ladies at Original Crafts have established an ongoing relationship with Debra Queensland and we wish to thank them all for their support and contributions. A variety of their arts and crafts are in Brisbane retail centres by these wonderful ladies.... More to come on this news issue soon.Toombul Ladies Bowls Club
Click on the image to enlarge, or click here for more pictures
Toombul Ladies Bowls Club, Brisbane Queensland. / 20th May 2004.
20th May, 2004
Debra Queensland would again like to thank the Toombul Ladies Bowls Club for their very generous donation of $460.00 AUD, their continuous support is very much appreciated and we look forward to meeting again next year.Lucilla, Guy and Luke had a wonderful time by the green watching bowls, enjoying a light lunch and the boys particularly enjoyed the "1 cent" raffle.
Paul and Sue, a camp oven and a generous crowd!
March, 2004
Paul and Sue with the help of lots of Volunteers and donations from local suppliers put on a delicious camp oven and roast meals to an enthusiastic crowd at the local primary school fete, with a percentage going to the school and DEBRA they were pleased to be able to raise $800 for DEBRA Queensland.
Paul Mckenna (Debraa Fundraiser) and Thomas Stewart (Volunteer) check the camp ovens at the Mt. Tyson School Centenary, which was held in March 2004.
Gavin O'Brien reports from the New Zealand Camp
January, 2004
Hi it's Gavin O'Brien here. I am typing this report from Anna's house in Wellington where the sun pokes its head out of the clouds every now and again. I came over to New Zealand from Brisbane to attend a camp for EB sufferers. I arrived in New Zealand on Monday 19th January and although it was raining it was not cold. I was picked up in Napier and taken to Pukeora near Waipukurau where the camp was being held. This was the first time I'd flown in a plane, and only the second time I'd been away from home for more than a night. It was a big change staying somewhere other than home but I soon became used to it.
On the Monday night we had a get together in the dining room and played a word game where we had to bring something to a BBQ but I never ended up getting to the BBQ because I didn't figure out the rules of the game. We also had to tell 2 truths and a lie about ourselves while the rest of the group tried to guess which the lie was. That was fun and I started to get to know peoples names
On the Tuesday morning after breakfast the group was split into two and they had to make a raft out of four barrels and some rope and old inner tubes. The first team that went into the pool managed to make it all the way across the pool even though it was really cold. Afterwards there were other activities planned even though it was still raining.
On Wednesday there was a ropes course set up in the top of two huge pine trees. I had done my dressings in the morning and had almost frozen to death sitting out on the terrace after doing them, coming from 34 degree heat in Brisbane to 14 degree in New Zealand was a huge shock so I sat inside in a fairydown jacket, a hot water bottle between my feet and wrapped in a sleeping bag until I warmed up again. I was not keen on doing the ropes course but I got up the courage to get in the chair and be hoisted up 20 meters and across between the trees in mid air. It was a bit scary at first. I didn't like the idea of being held by a couple of buckles and some rope, but once I was up there it was a nice view despite the rain. There was nothing to it.
On Thursday the sun came out and it was a lovely day and it was time to go rafting down the river. I was sure that I didn't want to do it because I can't swim. I spent the morning offering to be the one to make lunch and stay on dry land, but when it came to the time, I put on the helmet and life jacket and got into the boat with my paddle. Now the canoe that I was in was tied to another one right next to mine to give it more stability. As soon as the two canoes were put into the water the ropes came loose and it was then I got a bit scared, but they were tied back together and away we went. Humphrey and I were at the front and Ian and Toni at the back. We had a nice cruise down the river, surfing backwards through some of the rapids to make it more exciting. Or is it just that Ian's crazy! After the rafting was finished we sat on the bank of the river and had some lunch and a chat about the trip. I was glad that I'd done it. If the opportunity came up I'd even consider doing it again.
On the Friday it was time to go gliding and I was ready for that. I'd always wanted to go flying. It was nice up in the air just sailing around looking at the land below. Even Humphrey went up and he hates heights as much as I hate water, but he went up and flew the glider. After my time in the air I had a bite to eat and then a car turned up that we could have a drive in. I jumped in the car and using Humphrey's hand control went for a cruise. It was the first time I'd driven a car. I found it really easy and the lady who was teaching me said that I should be able to get my license in no time. So when I go home I plan to read the learners book and go and get my license.
I must say that even though I was not keen on some of the activities I was glad that I had done them because I don't get to do them in every day life. And the cooking at the camp was like being in a restaurant. We never went hungry and there was always something good that I could eat. I am looking forward to doing another camp if the chance comes around again.
This has been Gavin O'Brien reporting for DEBRA and the BACK UP GROUP.