Give a Little, Help Her Speak a Lot

We found out at our 12‑week scan that our daughter had a high chance of having Down Syndrome. We were encouraged multiple times to terminate the pregnancy, being told she would be a burden on the New Zealand health system. After the fifth time, we asked them to note on her file that we were not aborting. A life is a life.

Our beautiful girl had a tough start — surgery on day two, followed by 2.5 weeks in NICU. She is now four and doing well, but there is a specialised course run by NAPA centre. Their website is https://napacentre.com.au/ This could significantly increase her chances of speaking. While not guaranteed, the success rate is very high. Her current Speech and Language Therapist told us many of his clients have made incredible progress through this programme.

We have saved $4,000, but we need help with the remaining $3000 approx to get her there. Every dollar raised will go directly to Grace and help her get a voice so she can communicate just like everyone else can.

Any additional funds received will be applied to course-related expenses and will help lessen the financial support currently being provided by private contributors.

We’ve had dreams of Grace chatting away, and we believe she will. She is doing well with Sign Language, but we know that developing oral language will open even more doors for her.

Gracie has such an expressive personality it would be wonderful If she had the words to match it.