On August 17, 11-year-old Shakaya was playing with other children when an incident with a lighter unfolded. Shakaya pushed another child out of harm’s way, however, in the process, her clothes caught alight and her body was set on fire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew Shakaya to Westmead hospital where she was treated for burns to her torso and leg.
She will spend the next 18 months to two years in a compression suit to allow her injuries to heal. Shakaya must take regular trips in a hot car from Dondingalong to Westmead for treatment - that’s a return trip of around 850 kilometres. Shakaya has epilepsy and suffers regular seizures. The thickness of the compression suit makes it hard to keep cool during the summer.
Shakaya’s guardian, grandmother, and Dondingalong Rural Fire Service volunteer of eight years, Jacqui is calling on locals to help her raise funds to purchase a car with air conditioning to make the regular trips more comfortable for Shakaya.
Given the hot weather and the poor condition of the car, the compression suits makes travelling a nightmare and Shakaya has fits on the way to receiving treatment.
“I can’t count the number of times we’ve been to Westmead for her treatment,” Jaqui told the Argus. “It’s not just the trips to Westmead. We do a lot of travelling to and from Port Macquarie to visit the Pedeatrician who helps with the treatment of other things too. It’s also the everyday things – just getting out and about or going to the pool.”
A Go Fund Me account was launched in December to raise money for an air-conditioned car. The account can be accessed at: https://www.gofundme.com/help-shakaya-and-her-grandma.
Thirty-nine donations have been made.
“Hoping this small donation goes towards some comfort for this beautiful little lady,” one donor commented on the site.
“Good luck Shakaya you courageous girl,” another comment read.
