Lions Help a Child to Walk

Aleacia Lawtey, who suffers from cerebral palsey, is three and a half years old. She can’t sit up from a laying position, and walking is out of the question. Nine Lions and Lioness Clubs heard of Aleacia’s situation and determined to do something about it.

A product that originated in England called a Hart Walker has helped many other cerebral palsy sufferers to stand and walk was thought to be the answer, but the cost of purchasing the unit and funding its ongoing maintenance and adjustment was beyond the means of this family of five.

The Lions in this part of Victoria have appointed a person to help families like the Lawteys. Lions member Mike Ferey is that person so he told the Lions and Lioness Clubs in the area from Pakenham to Endeavour Hills about Aleacia’s plight. They immediately agreed to provide the $12,000 required for the Hart Walker.

All the club officers involved were invited to meet with Aleacia, her parents John and Leanne and brother John at a function held in Beaconsfield recently.

Photo at Left shows officers from contributing Lions and Lioness Clubs pose with Aleacia, her mother, father and bother John. Click on the photo for full size.

The best thing is she can stand at a table and play with the other kids.

Leanne told the members how thrilled the family was with the Hart walker and the difference it makes to Aleacia and her ability to relate to others. The best thing is she can now stand at the table and play with the other children. As she gains more confidence she will be fully mobile.

During the evening Aleacia relaxed and revealed a great personality. All present commented on how delighted they were that their fundraising efforts had been used for such a useful purpose.

Lions Club membership worldwide exceeds 1.3 million with clubs in almost every country and geographic area. The organization is dedicated to helping those less fortunate members of our community, developing youth through a range of programmes designed to contribute to confidence and international understanding and to developing our communities by providing facilities and infrastructure.

When members of the public see Lions members selling sausages, Lions cakes or running a raffle you can participate knowing that all the profits are used for the benefit of our community. The cost of running the clubs is met by the members … Nothing contributed by the public is used to fund our Lions Clubs.

Projects like this one where we have the opportunity to contribute to a young life in a way that will make a profound difference, are our reward.

For further information contact Ron Payne Lions District 201V3. Phone 9701 2188.

Photo at Right shows Lions president Kerry Austin as he encourages Aleacia to step out in her new aid. Click on the photo for full size.