The VMMA last December became aware of a need for a piece of specialised medical equipment for a members 4 year old daughter, with the assistance of the VMMA membership and freemasons in both Victoria and NSW we were able to raise $5900 by the 3rd March 2007.
It was announced at the VMMA Trivia Games Night Fundraiser held at the Village Green Hotel on the 24th March 2007 that Erin had been to the specialist and that the Rifton Walker had been ordered and the funds raised by the VMMA had been released to cover the purchase cost.
It took several weeks for the Rifton Walker to be delivered, each Walker is specifically made to measure and is solely used by the recipitant, in this particular case Erin.
The VMMA received reports that Erin's first attempt to use the Walker caused her some distress, but in the following days Erin made monumental progress not only in the movement of her legs but in other areas which appears to be related to the simulation of the brain.
Mal and Michelle find it had to believe the advancement Erin has made since having the Walker, little over a year ago Erin was unable to move, laugh and basically just laid in one position.
Now Erin responds to signs and songs that relate to particular activities, when Erin is put in the Walker there is a song sung that relates to lets go walking and last week Erin respond to the song straight away and attempted to walk, this small step is truly making significant medical achievements.
Mal and Michelle invited a number of VMMA members to their house to see the Walker and witness themselves Erin's first steps, we spent several hours with the family and became more aware of what the Rifton Walker will enable Erin to achieve in her life, it was a real eye opener.
Once again Mal and Michelle wish to thank everyone for their willingness to raise funds to proved this specialised piece of medical equipment that already has assisted Erin and will continue to do so into the future for this Walker will be continually adjusted to Erin's needs.
Reported by CW
