A 15-year-old teenager is working hard to regain her independence after the diagnosis of Charcot Marie Tooth Disease has left her struggling to do the thing she loves, riding horses.
All Sophie Graco’s efforts are being funneled into a campaign to raise enough money to afford the $22,000 mobility scooter and the $5000 specialty horse saddle which will let her ride her horses again without pain or numbness.
Sophie’s mother, Patrina Graco said for Sophie, her horses are more than just a hobby, they’re therapy.
“She’s lost most of her social life, it’s impacted her physical and mental health,” Ms Graco said.
CMT is a nerve disease which affects the spine and causes degeneration in muscle similar to muscular dystrophy.
The mobility chair will allow Sophie to continue doing what she loves safely and will minimise the time needed out of her wheelchair.
Ms Graco said this chair would be apart of Sophie’s life, for the rest of her life and that was why it’s so important.
“She’ll be able to get around and return some normalcy to her life which Sophie doesn’t have,” she said.
“Eventually Sophie wants to ride in the special Olympics and teach others to ride too, and she’ll get there eventually but this chair and saddle will ease some of those frustrations.”
Sophie has started a GoFundMe page which has already generated over $1500 towards her cause.
To donate to Sophie visit gofundme.com/24g5a92x
Blayde Grzelka
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Journalist for the Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
