Casey Haydon is a year 9 student at Winmalee High School. She was diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic in September 2015, immediately after representing her school in a netball competition.
But Casey made a conscious decision that diabetes would not define her.
In the short time since her diagnosis, Casey has achieved a great deal, both academically and in the sporting arena. She has also given selflessly of herself, donating artworks and her time to various clubs and schools.
The 14-year-old is now in need herself. She has been selected to represent NSW in Australian Rules football after attending the Combined High Schools State selection carnival in Albury on June 5.
Despite fractured fingers and playing in four degree temperatures, Casey caught the eye of selectors and was selected to represent NSW in Perth.
The carnival will be held on July 22-29, leaving her family very little time to raise funds to get her there.
But members of the community have already pitched in to help. Warren from Springwood Printing is donating prints of Casey’s artworks to be displayed for sale by Jamie at The Mountain Grind coffee shop in Winmalee.
Brett and Ruth Umenberger from Springwood Physiotherapy have donated, as have Mark and Chris from Jim Aitken Valley Heights.
To donate please email Casey’s mum, Wendy Elliott, on welliott.68@bigpond.com, phone 0428 040404 or post to PO Box 4033 Winmalee 2777.