A great turn out this week with apologies from Geoff Adcock, GP, Kylie Rowbottom, Jenny Sanderson and Gary Frank.

We were joined by guests, Sue Watts, Liz Bannon, and our guest speaker Harriet Caldwell who was accompanied by her father Tim.

 

Liz Bannon informed us of a walk which is to take place on 29th November at 10.30am leaving from the rotunda in Rosiland Park in Bendigo.  This walk is to raise awareness advocate against domestic and family violence.  See more in this bulletin.

 

 

Our guest speaker, Harriet Caldwell, shared her remarkable story.  At 13 years of age, Harriet was an active sports enthusiast.  In May 2023, while preparing for basketball training and stretching, she began to feel unwell and experienced a “pop” in her back. Concerned, her parents consulted a friend who is a paramedic, and on their advice, called an ambulance.  Harriet was first taken to Bendigo Health and then transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital.  She lost all feeling and movement from just below her waist.  After multiple MRIs and tests, several doctors informed Harriet and her parents that she had
suffered a spinal stroke—a very rare condition, with only three cases reported in the past 20 years. The doctors told Harriet and her parents that she would never walk again.

The emotional impact on Harriet and her family is unimaginable.  Despite her prognosis, Harriet began physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Melbourne.  Gradually, she noticed small improvements in her condition.  Harriet spent three months at the RCH before returning to Bendigo to continue her rehabilitation.  She is now able to stand and walk for short periods.  During her hospital stay, Harriet was introduced to wheelchair basketball, which became an important part of her recovery and new life.  She began training for wheelchair basketball in August 2024 and played her first game representing Victoria in January this year. Harriet recently competed at the Junior Nationals in Brisbane and is now looking forward to playing in the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League.  Of note, she is able to shoot three-pointers, a rare skill in wheelchair basketball. 

 

The unwavering hope and dedication shown by Harriet and her family have been pivotal in her recovery.  The community rallied behind them, raising funds through a “go-fund-me” page and other fundraisers that allowed the family to remain in Melbourne while Harriet was hospitalised.  Tim, Harriet’s father, admitted he was initially hesitant to accept charity, but now recognises that the community’s support has been essential to Harriet’s progress.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to Harriet and Tim for sharing their truly inspirational
journey with us.

 

Next week we have the Foundation Dinner on Tuesday night, we have carparking on the Saturday following, (John will circulate a roster).  Our next meeting will be at Rita’s bookshop on the 5th of November.