Kindness floods in

By Sarah Schwager
THE local community has again proved its generosity after offering support to a Lynbrook mother and her disabled twin sons.
Last week the News told the sad story of Gladys Sanchez and her 15-year-old sons Rodrigo and Claudio who were born with a rare genetic disease, centro nuclear myopathy, and because of a lack of funds were almost entirely confined to the house and cut off from society.
Within hours of the story being published, the News received dozens of calls from Casey people eager to donate or volunteer their help.
Unfortunately Ms Sanchez was forced to fly back to Chile on the weekend after finding out that her father was very sick.
However, she thanked everyone for their kind words and for ringing up to offer help.
Cranbourne’s Carol Nelson offered her time to wash, iron, help out around the house or look after the boys while Ms Sanchez was out.
Margaret Way, also from Cranbourne, was eager to help out with counselling or accessing services in the area, after recently retiring from the industry.
Hampton Park’s Susan Greenwood, who works as a disability carer, was also interested in volunteering her services.
There were also calls from social workers, disability workers, Spanish speakers, and people wanting to donate money to help the family buy a van modified to fit two wheelchairs that they so desperately need.
Narre Warren woman Sandra Deayton is in a similar situation as a single mother with two sons, aged 17 and 14, who have a rare muscular disease called nemaline myopathy, and a 10-year-old son with no disability.
She urged Ms Sanchez to get herself a caseworker, as there were many support services available.
“I know exactly how she feels,” Ms Deayton said.
“I was in the same situation. It’s not like when you find out your child has a disability they say ‘here’s what to do’. You really have to find it out yourself.
“But she has to know there’s other people here who have gone through the same things that she has, and other parents to turn to.”
Ms Deayton said the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which takes the boys on camps, on trips to the city and other activities, had given her family a whole new quality of life.
She said Windermere, the Association for Children with a Disability, Very Special Kids and the Make a Wish Foundation had all given much more meaning back to their lives.
She said there were also many activities for disabled kids to take part in, such as wheelchair soccer, where a bumper was attached to the front of the wheelchair.
While Ms Sanchez is currently overseas and cannot take calls, she asked people to write her letters with their advice, offers of help or phone numbers.
Write to Cranbourne News, PO Box 9, Pakenham 3810 or email to editor@starnewsgroup.com.au.
The family has also opened a trust account if people wish to donate to help the family buy a van.
People can donate to the Claudio and Rodrigo Bustos Trust Account at ANZ Lynbrook, through account number 522471387.