Thread

Topic: " My Special Friend "

By:Gabriella

Hello, my name is Gabriella and I am 12, turning 13 in September. I have a sister called Giulia (pronounced Julia) who has a disability called Rett Syndrome. Giulia cannot walk or talk and recently she had to have an operation for her scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The surgery went really well but unfortunately she was having some trouble breathing and kept moving in and out of intensive care. After 6 weeks in hospital, she finally came home. Unfortunately she has lost her ability to swallow food and has to eat from a tube.Giulia goes to a special school called Glenallen and has just recently started going back again after her surgery. All the teachers and staff have been so supportive over the past few months. Her teacher came and visited Giulia five or six times in hospital. They even brought her classmates in for a visit (class of five). Giulia is one of the happiest people I know, if you are feeling down you can count on Giulia to give you one of her million dollar smiles to cheer you up. Giulia loves to watch videos especially "The Wiggles" and "Hi 5". She could watch the same video all day and you wouldn't hear a peep out of her.

Before Giulia had her surgery, every Saturday morning she went on a swimmimng program with Yooralla. She loves the water and doesn't mind having a bit of a SPLASH!

I love Giulia so much, I know i can tell her anything and she will not tell anyone. If I haven't had a great day I know she'll cheer me up! That's why Giulia is my special friend!

I thought Gabriella's story was fantastic and since I also have a sister with Rett Syndrome, I could really relate to her.

I really can't relate in the Rett part but my sister has Down syndrome and she has undergone a lot of surgery.

I thought it was touching to read that she was so close and was able to tell her anything!