Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As this is Carers Week, I asked my community to tell me of their stories. I wish to honour all carers, but especially Juanita Blomberg. This is what she wrote:

My story began on 1 September 1973, when my son Mark was finally born at 6:20 pm in the evening, after more than 20 hours trying to be born. He was described as 'blue and slow to breathe'. I don't need to look at the card to remember that day.

But Mark was not diagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy until he was 14 months of age, even though I had reported odd behaviour to doctors previously. After diagnosis; then began intensive therapy sessions, physio, OT and speech. I was expecting my second child, so when he was born on 1 April, 1975 he accompanied Mark and me to all these sessions. Andrew had to grow up very fast—too fast—due to the needs his brother had.

I don't remember having any support during all this time. Not from my husband, my family or my friends. I was 'carrying the world on my shoulders.' I persevered—you have to—you just have to.

My daughter Allison was born on 18 April, 1977 and then I had 3 'babies'. It seemed ok—I was coping with that. It was people's attitude I wasn't coping with. It was as if they thought they would catch something from us if they got involved.

Let me say Ann, I am crying as I write this. My life has been extremely difficult. In more recent years, with my own disabled body, as a result of overwork and carrying the load virtually alone, there were times I wished I could leave this life …

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