By BRIDGET COOK
A CRANBOURNE toddler has received a potentially life-saving vest, thanks to the generosity of the local community.
A big fund-raising event was held at Amstel Golf Club in September to raise money to purchase a $14,000 vest for Sophy Mylonas, which will help treat her life-threatening condition Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
More than 200 turned out to the Team Sophy Charity Event, which included auctions, raffles and live entertainment, and managed to raise the money required for the vest.
Sophy’s mother Sally Mylonas said it was one of the best nights of her life.
“Knowing everyone was there for Sophy was amazing,” she said.
“There was so much love and support in the room, from both my family and friends and complete strangers.
“I thank everyone who helped from the bottom of my heart.
“It’s amazing to think there are people out there who do stuff like this for others and expect nothing in return.”
CF is a genetic disease that substantially impairs normal respiratory and digestive functions, making the simple acts of eating and breathing a challenge.
In people with CF, a faulty gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs, pancreas and other organs and can lead to severe respiratory and digestive problems.
The life expectancy of those with CF is only mid to late thirties.
The vest is an air pulse generator that rapidly fills and deflates an inflatable vest, gently compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 25 times per second.
This process creates mini-coughs that dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, promoting increased lung function and clearer lungs.
Ms Mylonas said the vest would not only give her daughter a healthier and longer life, but also take some of the guilt off her as a parent.
“I know I’m giving my daughter gold-class treatment and doing everything I possibly can to help keep her healthy as long as possible,” she said.
