Helping hand for Darius’ new wheels

By JACINTA CARROLLJan. 30, 2014, 4 a.m.

LITTLE Darius Owens hasnt had the easiest of starts in life.

LITTLE Darius Owens hasnt had the easiest of starts in life.

At six months of age he had his first seizure, then at 10 months of age he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Now three-and-a-half, Darius, or DJ as he is known, has also been diagnosed with epilepsy and global development delay.

If that isnt enough to cope with, because he is unable to walk, he is now being put in a wheelchair, which doctors believe will help him continue his development.

However, the family now face another hurdle their car isnt big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. For them to buy and modify a car would cost them $50,000, which is well beyond their reach. However, a community organisation has a second-hand vehicle already modified for a wheelchair which they can purchase for $14,000.

Darius mum, Melinda Owens, said while this vehicle would be perfect, they just dont have the $14,000 to buy it; due to Darius high needs she is unable to work, plus they have many other medical expenses associated with his treatment.

So they are asking for community support to help fund the purchase of the second-hand car, so they can get Darius to all his medical appointments and continue his development in readiness for school.

They have set up a fund at gofundme, and already a combination of family, friends and complete strangers, moved by Darius plight, have raised more than $1600.

See the rest here:
Helping hand for Darius’ new wheels