Oliver Lees
As Savannah Coots celebrates her birthday today, the Sunbury resident will still be coming down from the high of the best gift imaginable: A Melbourne premiership.
Born with down syndrome and a life-threatening health defect which affects her lung function, Savannah has defied her doctor’s expectations in reaching her 29th birthday.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Savannah has been under stricter lockdown than most, due to her higher risk of health complications if she were to contract the virus.
Savannah’s mother, Joan, said these challenges have made this year’s birthday and the Demons’ premiership all the more special.
“Savannah has been in a very very tight bubble for many months, both last year and this year as well,” Joan said.
“She doesn’t go into any shops, or anyone’s home. Sometimes family can speak to her from the front yard, but there’s really much in-person interaction.
To celebrate the big game, Joan printed out a menu and set the table to simulate the experience of eating in the Melbourne Cricket Club dining room.
“The past week has been pretty great. Savannah and my husband are really big [Melbourne] fans, before COVID-19 we would go to all the games,” she said.
“Rapt is putting it mildly, it’s been a great spark through all of this difficulty.”
