A FUNDRAISER for Northam girl Charlotte Patterson was held at the Northam Racecourse last Friday from 6-10.30pm.
Charlotte, 13 months, was born without the left side of her diaphragm and consequently, in-utero, all of her abdominal organs migrated up into her chest cavity, occupying the space where her left lung needed to grow.
She was also born without a left lung and a hole in her heart, which had been pushed over to the right chest wall under her right lung.
Doctors gave Charlotte a 10 per cent chance of survival at birth and had grief counsellors ready to support her family as they felt sure the baby girl would not survive.
The community came together in support at the fundraiser with at least 200 people in attendance.
The night raised $14,500 with a further $2000 expected to be collected from bar sales.
The money will go towards purchasing a car that is suitable for a wheelchair conversion.
Part of the funds will also make the family home wheelchair accessible and medically suitable.
A special guest for the fundraiser was sports caller Glenn Mitchell.
Mitchell interviewed Matt Bautista, who is now wheelchair bound after a motocross accident.
Later in the night he spoke about his commentary days with the ABC, particularly his coverage and love of the Olympic games.
The fundraiser was put together in five weeks.
One of the organisers, Georgie Haddrill, said it was originally meant to be a girls’ night out to raise money for Charlotte.
“The support and donations came from left right and centre and we decided to do more than a fashion parade,” Ms Haddrill said.
“Everything on the night was donated; the generosity of the community was unbelievable.
“It just goes to show how much show how much support there is in the community, coming together to support a family.
“I truly believe this is only the beginning for not only Charlotte but many other children with special needs for the community to dig deep, donate and support in some way.”
The fashion parade was supported by SportsPower, Zig Zag, Homestyle, Harvest Boutique and Cadds Surf.
James West and his team from the Northam PCYC provided music for the night, and local band Lesmarfields ended the fundraiser on a high note.
Share and Care donated a generator to ensure Charlotte’s medical equipment keeps running, and presented their cheque on stage.
Charlotte has had seven operations to date.
Her first operation was being performed when she was three days old.
During the operation she numerous seizures, causing brain damage.
Ms Haddrill said Avon Valley Nissan dealer principal Leonie Knipe had been working with other car dealerships in town to ensure the family could have the best possible price.
The family will trade in both their vehicles to purchase the new car.
The new vehicle will be purchased in the coming weeks.
Online donations are still open via www.mycause.com.au and then by selecting Charlotte’s cause.
