Page 8 - NLN May 19

Local Mother Raising Awareness

for Shaken Baby Syndrome

Local Mum Amanda has been impacted first hand and is on a mission to bring about conversations on
this unspoken issue, in the hope that she may help others and raise awareness.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) or Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) as it her hard work, dedication and determination, she has just
is now more commonly referred to, is more frequent in Australia celebrated her daughter’s sixth birthday. For the occasion,
than low speed run-overs, drownings and childhood cancers. Amanda organised a very special meet and greet with Emma,
It is a widely under-reported and frequently misdiagnosed form Simon and Lachy from the Wiggles who sung Happy Birthday
of traumatic brain injury. Considered a form of child abuse, to both the girls!
the number one reported trigger for SBS is frustration with a Sarah continues to defy the odds and attends special school
baby’s crying. while Amanda works part-time. Amanda is an amazing Mother
As many as 1 in every 3 children that are the victims of Abusive and leader, a true example of what real love and resilience looks
Head Trauma will die as a result of their injuries. Of those who like.
survive, as many as 2 in every 3 will live with profound and When funding for the purchase of a modified vehicle for her
permanent disability. daughter did not eventuate, Amanda contemplated putting her
The implications of this abuse are far reaching. daughter into permanent care after six years of caring for and
For local Mum Amanda, she knows this only too well. Her twin supporting her girls, as the physical and mental repercussions
daughters were born prematurely, weighing a mere 2.5kg had become very difficult to manage as a single parent.
each at birth. After the horrific incident, Amanda was told her We are calling on the Community to help raise the funds
daughter, Sarah, would not survive. Her life support system was needed for Amanda to buy a suitable modified vehicle for her
turned off, but proving herself to be an absolute fighter, Sarah daughter and to allow her to continue raising her twin girls at
continued to breathe on her own. home together.
Sarah was left with permanent brain damage, she is blind, Amanda has been a victim in this situation as well as her
requires feeding via a tube, is unable to walk and has a myriad of daughter Sarah. However, for legal reasons, the perpetrator will
other health issues. not be identified.
Amanda took her daughter home from hospital and through

To donate, visit: https://bit.ly/2vfJRN7