ARARAT has rallied behind teenager Tania Moss to raise more than $10,000 for the 16-year-old’s new stand-up frame.
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Tania has a rare neurological disorder primarily found in girls called Retts syndrome.
It includes the loss of language and physical skills, hand use, muscle rigidity and breathing difficulties.
At 16, Tania needed the new frame to help her stand up and interact with friends and family at home or at school.
It will help her mother Karen lift, move and safely help her during seizures, which she also experiences.
Ms Moss said the community support had been overwhelming and saw the new frame funded and delivered in just two months.
“Not just the support but the donations the kind words and just everyone saying, finally we have a way to help Tania,” she said.
Tania has two older sisters, Lisa and Jenny who helped set-up the fundraising campaign.
Lisa is an Ararat College student and the school offered plenty of support to help raise money.
The frame arrived on Friday last week for Tania.
It provided the perfect timing with her 16th birthday celebrated on Saturday.
Ms Moss said after only one week the difference to Tania’s life was already visible.
“She has been very excited abut standing up in the frame, looking at everyone in the eye and even just taking in her environment,” she said.
“Just the fact she was so much more alert when standing upright, really engaging and wanting to get into the standing frame.
“It is not so much hard work on my back anymore to turn her over during seizures.
“She is comfortable in it, she is supported well so you see the smile as soon as she stands up in it.”
Ms Moss said there were so many groups to thank for raising the money.
It included Ararat College, Maroona Primary School, the Ararat Early Learning Centre, Ararat Toy Library, the Ararat and Willaura Lions Club and lots of individuals.