Turandot – Pressure Mattress
Turrie is a 10 year-old girl who smiles a lot and loves going on outings with her twin sister. She also has severe cerebral palsy, dystonia (movement disorder), cortical visual impairment and epilepsy. Turrie relies on her mother as primary carer for all of her self-care, positioning, and mobility needs. 2017 was a very tough year for Turrie and her family. Turrie underwent major surgery to correct her scoliosis that unfortunately resulted in a serious infection of her surgical wound and she spent much of the second half of the year in hospital. Due to increased periods spent in bed, Turrie also sustained a large and painful pressure sore to her lower back which required intense medical management. Turrie is unable to reposition herself and the need for a pressure mattress for her bed at home was urgent to prevent further pressure sores.
The RCH contacted MAD for urgent funding assistance. NDIS is not yet in place in Turrie’s area and the Statewide Equipment Program will only contribute $1,050 with an unfeasible 11 month wait. Turrie’s family constantly struggle with the cost of expensive equipment on only one income. As is often the case with special needs families, one parent cannot work due to the daily care, medical treatment/appointments and hospital stays that their child needs.
The MAD Foundation has provided Turrie with an Airflex Trio air mattress that offers the highest level of pressure care. Turrie is now waking in the morning with a big smile on her face, which her mother attributes to the level of comfort provided by the mattress.
This is WONDERFUL news! Sarah (mother) is absolutely over the moon. Thank you to the MAD Foundation and thank you for advocating on Turrie’s behalf.
Kimberley, Occupational Therapist
I am most great full to Kim our extremely caring OT at the RCH for organizing a trial of a pressure mattress and for applying on our behalf for funding with the MAD foundation. Turandot’s mattress has been life changing for her, she no longer has pressure sores and I am very happy to say Turandot has remained well in 2018.
I would like to express our gratitude to the MAD foundation. The MAD foundation had a huge impact on Turandot’s wellbeing and state of mind, by removing some of her pain Turandot was able to look forward. I can’t tell you how much difference you made to our little girl. Turandot has been able to attend school this year and is once again enjoying life.
Thank you once again for your help and support.
Sarah (Turandot’s mother)