Jess and Lina's story
Lina was born with a recessive genetic condition called Oculocutaneous Albinism type 1A (OCA1a). Despite Lina being cleared by health professionals, at around 6 weeks old her parents, Jess and Patrick took it upon themselves to book Lina an appointment with a Paediatric Ophthalmologist.
After waiting 14 weeks for an appointment, Lina was clinically diagnosed with OCA1a, along with Pendular Nystagmus, Iris transillumination, Foveal Hypoplasia and complete lack of fundal pigmentation. This meant that Lina's vision would be significantly impaired, and she might face challenges in reaching developmental milestones.
Within weeks of Lina’s diagnosis, Jess and Patrick were in contact with Vision Australia, who started supporting Lina and her family through this difficult time.
Jess reflects on the impact Vision Australia has had on her family. “Vision Australia has been our beacon of light in a very unfamiliar journey. Even before I could get my head around NDIS, VA provided so many services, support and resources using donation funds so we could get Lina as much help as she needed as soon as possible.”
Last year, Jess and Patrick took part in 100K Your Way to show their appreciation and support for Vision Australia. This year, they’re back again to help raise money for families just like theirs.
“Give it a crack! You’ve got nothing to lose and your participation in 100K Your Way can make such a difference to kids like Lina and families like ours.” Jess says.
About Vision Australia
Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.
We support more than 25,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances. We do this through 35 Vision Australia centres in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia; and through outreach programs in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
We are a not-for-profit organisation and a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.
You can read more about Vision Australia on the website here.
