As Aria grows, her needs have increased. Early in life she was easy to lift, bath and cuddle. As she reaches 3 years old and beyond, simply handling her becomes a real challenge. As she cannot walk or sit up on her own, her joints and muscles suffer, and in order to maintain good physical conditiioning, various aids are needed to support and hold her. She will never be able to talk, walk or feed herself.

These aids are generally customised devices or units that will be specifically built for Aria as she requires them in the future. The funds required to purchase these items run into the thousands, and they represent a key reason for organising the fundraising event.

In order to prevent curvature of the spine and contractures, specific pieces of equipment are necessary. Items such as seating and sleeping aids, a customized wheelchair, bathing aids and standing frames will all help to maintain Arias physical well being and provide her a better quality of life.

In addition to these more substantial one-off items she will require, Aria has some intensive day-to-day needs that represent a ongoing expense. Everything from nappies through to feeding tubes and enimas are items required on a daily or weekly basis. Aside from the cost of these items there is it care and time involved in caring for her. This love and care is provided by her parents, and involves the total attention of at least one parent on a full time basis which has an obvious effect on the family and potential income.

In so many ways, the fundrasing event in November has potential to provide for Aria and her family in the future.