A Macedon family is raising money to build a comfortable and accessible home for their daughter.
Lacey Duffield has Vulto-van Silfhout-de Vries syndrome – a rare hereditary condition – and Von Willebrand disease – a bleeding disorder relating to low levels of clotting protein in blood.
A fundraiser was started on behalf of the family by friend Terri Scanlon, with funds going towards altering the family’s home to make it suitable and accessible for Lacey to receive care at home.
Lacey’s mum, Elyce Duffield, said the fundraiser will help Lacey to spend more time in a familiar environment with her siblings, including her twin sister.
“She’s got such a close bond with her sisters and even our neighbours … because she doesn’t speak … she does have that vulnerability around her,” Elyce said.
“We need to really make sure she is safe and she’s in a loving environment, because she picks up a lot on people’s nonverbal cues.
“The standard respite, it doesn’t fit Lacey’s challenges. She’s a very outdoor kid, she loves to go on the trampoline and go on the swing … it’s great that we can still have friends and family come over and have [her] live a life with people in it.”
Elyca said the alterations to the family home will help give Lacey’s sisters “peace of mind.”
“As the kids grow, being able to visit her at our block, it’s what we desire, what we’d like – because it has been a very hard journey for them. We’re in and out of hospital all the time … so it gives them … that reassurance … she’s not hidden,” she said.
Elyce said the family is “eternally grateful” for the donations made to the fundraiser so far, and for the community’s ongoing support.
“We are more than thrilled at how people have been selflessly putting money towards our daughter’s campaign … she’s much loved by our community,” she said.
“We’ve got some beautiful support here … I can’t fault this community, it’s … been amazing to have this country lifestyle without the hustle and bustle, which really does affect Lacey.
“Lacey loves people – she likes to wave and be recognised, just like anyone else. If you do see her in the street with a carer or with myself, give a wave. We’re always happy to say hello.”
Donations can be made on online fundraising site My Cause.
Details: mycause.com.au/p/353318/help-us-build-a-safe-home-for-lacey
