From Wheelchair to Walking
Up until age six, Amber Farlow was unable to walk. confined to a wheelchair. Born with breathing difficulties, Farlow remained in the hospital for the first 18 months of her life and has endured 55 operations. She still requires assistance from a machine for a majority of the day and night to breathe. But, like any child, Amber wanted to play on a playground.
Turning a dream into reality
When Lions approached the Farlow’s school, Gosford East Public School, about building a special needs playground/activity center, the staff enthusiastically accepted their offer. Such a playground was previously a dream for this school in New South Wales, Australia. But through support from Lions and LCIF, the special needs playground quickly became a reality. The center cost nearly US$170,000 to construct, well beyond the local Lions’ funding capabilities. That is when Lions reached out to LCIF for support and received a US$57,596 grant to construct the special needs playground equipment. In 12 months, the playground was filled with smiling children.
A life transformed
Today, Farlow is experiencing the joy of walking around on her own, using what she refers to as her “magic stick.” This inspiring development in her mobility would not have been possible without Lions and the benefits of the specially-designed playground. Farlow was chosen to give a tour of the special needs playground when the Governor-General visited, and she did so proudly.
“Thank you so much, Lions, for what you have done for the school, my daughter Amber, and everyone there,” said Michelle Farlow. “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s made them happy children who enjoy their lives a lot more.”
