Talia's Legacy - Help Her Family Stay Afloat

July 6th 2016 started as just another winters day, but for a loving family, the world they knew was about to shatter & a beautiful soul was to walk out a door and never return.

Talia was in the care of the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, where she had been frequenting in and out of over 2 years, when she got leave and went for a walk. She never returned.

Shortly after, her phone fell silent, and a concerned search took place. Sadly, in the early hours of the morning, Talia's body was found & a family was left devastated.

Talia, was a fighter all her life. In some of her younger years, she battled Cancer & became involved with Canteen. Even when in remission, she continued to be a rock for those still fighting. This wasn't to be the only battle in her short life.

Among other things, Talia suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder combined with dissociation. She would find herself with blank periods, moments she couldn't account for. It was during those times she would self-harm.

Talia wanted to live. She knew she had a family that loved her, a partner who she meant the world to, and friends who admired not only her strength but her compassionate nature. The morning of her final day, she wrote an entry into her journal :

"I'm scared, completely and utterly terrified. I'm scared of accidently killing myself or of being stuck like this forever. I'm not sure which is worse ... I want to live. I want to get better to make a life for myself. I really hope I do get there. It will be amazing, I will be amazing."

Within 24 hours, her struggles were over, and those who loved her were facing life after her death.

Her story and her sudden passing didn't just affect a couple of people, it affected a wider community. Not just family or friends, but the dr's who had treated her, the acquaintances she made in passing - even strangers are bought to tears by her story.

Her mum Sandra's grief has been all consuming.There's no feeling worse in this world than losing a child. She has been unable to return to work, and although receiving some assistance, is on the verge of losing the place she calls home and fighting her own battles.

It is not only the immediate costs that we worry for, it is the ongoing costs - counselling for all those in the family who need it, Dr's visits, medications if required. Travel costs to get to such appointments. Ongoing support. Grief has no timeframe & no limits

Talia's battle may now be over, but for those she leaves behind, it is just beginning. She leaves behind not only her mum, but her dad, step mother, a brother, sister, step siblings, foster siblings, grandparents, aunties, uncles and her neices and nephews, as well as a devestated partner and friends. Talia was and always will be loved.

Help us to give Talia's family a legacy fitting for the beautiful soul she was & always will be. Compassionate, Caring, Understanding & Giving.

We love & Miss You Talia. May you ride on unicorns forever, looking over all those who love you dearly.

This page has been created with the express permission of Talia's Mother. Any & All Proceeds will go to the ongoing costs and requirements of Sandra and the Family