Shaz's story - read it and be inspired and motivated

One of the young people I mentored through ChIPS is doing incredible things.

Sharlene (or Shaz as she prefers) is doing her final year of high school, with a goal to become a lawyer and fight for disability rights.

She captained a team of eight at the last camp I went on.

She is about to participate in and raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital's Run for the Kids - she will be getting out of her wheelchair to walk and run the five km track. The training she's done for the run is amazing, so dedicated. She's raised over $700 so far! You can sponsor her here. Here she is doing the 2010 Run for the Kids:

(source)

And last week she represented her local area and the state of Victoria at Parliament House in Canberra. She met the Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC.

Shaz has cerebral palsy, but she doesn't let it stop her continual aspiration for excellence.

This girl's going places! I am so proud of her.

We have had many chats at camp, and I am so glad I got to meet this wonderful, driven young lady. She inspires and influences everyone she encounters. I encouraged her to start a blog, and on it she writes brilliant posts about her achievements.

Shaz gave me permission to share her story with my blog readers.

You can read her full blog entry about meeting the Governor General here. 

And while you're there, check out the other entries she has written.

My friend Shaz is a reminder that we can do anything, and we will do anything when we put our minds to it, no matter our adversities.

Keep reaching for the stars Shaz. You're a force to be reckoned with.

End of an era - ChIPS camp and farewell to the program

I am sad to have finished up as a volunteer mentor at the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program at the Royal Children's Hospital. But so very happy to have made a difference to so many young people's lives.

Last night I returned from my last ChIPS camp as a mentor. After much consideration, I resigned from my role as a mentor, after almost three years. It was a difficult decision because I've loved being a mentor and value the program so much.

The young people belonging to ChIPS are amazing. They plan and deliver the program. They are articulate, so smart, passionate, driven, caring, constantly challenging themselves, not afraid to cry, and so very brave. They're all between 12 and 25. They have instilled my faith in young people.

The ChIPS program helps them manage their chronic illnesses and also forget about them for a while. The illness are often varied, but are the commonality between the young people. They can all relate to each other' experiences. And it's so beautiful to see the friendships blossom, encouragement given and goals set by the young people.

I've given the young people a few opportunities to speak at my work for International Day of People with Disability and each of them have impressed my colleagues, including the most senior leaders, so much.

This is my camp costume

Though it's fun throughout the year - attending meetings and socials, camps are the pinnacle of the ChIPS experience. There are about 45 young people and 15 passionate and dedicated medical and ChIPS staff and volunteers coming together to do activities - sometimes high challenge ones like rock climbing or high ropes, and others such as photography, archery, art, sports, and water activities. All challenging, all fun, all encouraging. To see the young people - some who are so physically and mentally challenged, getting amongst it and having a go, is an emotional experience. Their leadership and inclusivity is amazing. If you ever think you can't do something, or that you are too 'unwell' to have a go, please think of the Chippers and what they can do.

Yesterday I cried from about 11.00 am until I don't know when. Tears of sadness and also happiness. I feel so privileged to have been a part of ChIPS and to have come to know the young people better and worked with them to overcome their adversities. And although I was aware that I was helping them, I was never aware it what extent. I never knew that just being there and talking to people could mean the world to them. It's the little things.

One of the young people, about 20, is so very quiet and shy. He's big, masculine and not very confident. But he's so kind hearted. He came to me yesterday morning to tell me how much he will miss me. He said I was the first person to make him feel important and special, and that I've changed his life. I'm the reason why his confidence has increased. He said words can't describe what I mean to him and that he and the other young people love me so much. Wow.

There was a presentation of awards and they farewelled me during it. One young person made a little speech about the time I was concerned about his broken foot on camp in January 2009.

He was walking down the corridor, looking worn out and red. I asked him if he was ok and added 'you're a bit red'.

'Hypocrite!', he exclaimed!

Funniest. Moment. Ever. We laughed and laughed at that moment, and continue to today.

I paid him back this camp: he and I went to the kitchen to get milk for supper. As he reached in the fridge to get the milk, I put on his Woody from Toy Story mask, and when he turned around, he jumped so much! Very funny!

I have so many special memories.

During one activity, some Chippers told me, silently, that I've inspired them, helped them out and changed their lives. I can't explain how it feels to know this. Being a mentor in ChIPS at a relatively young age has given me the experience I didn't have as a member of ChIPS. In everything I do at ChIPS, I try to show the young people that my own illness hasn't stopped me from achieving my goals. And I also try and impart my positive and realistic outlook.

At the end of camp, we all received 'warm fuzzies' - books of gratitude from each other. This was one of the messages I received:

Carly, you are very inspirational. I've realised now, that when I used to go to the Children's, I used to stare at people. But on this camp, I've learned that it's not about our illnesses, but it's about the person underneath. And you have taught me that. Thank you Carly.

And that sums everything up perfectly. I have no more words. Just happiness I've made a difference, and sadness I'm leaving. I want to continue to help out with ChIPS. I can't explain the feeling of being with these young people. It's a wonderful program and these amazing young people will forever be in my heart.

If you want more information on ChIPS, visit www.rch.org.au/chips

Hospital badge

When I used to stay at the Royal Children's hospital, there was always such great things to do.

I went to school there - I did maths and English, but I also made a lot of crafty things.

I remember doing heaps of Garfield artwork on a very advanced computer program for 1989. I think it may have even been on an Apple Mac. I'd make a lot of comic strip type stories cutting and pasting pictures of Garfield and friends into scenes. If anyone remembers the name of the game, please let me know.
(Edit - Wikipedia - the ever reliable source - says: 'There is a computer program called "Scholastic's Comic Book Maker Featuring Garfield" which allows users to make their own Garfield comics by using different characters, objects, and scenery from the strip'.)

I went to the zoo once, all bandaged up and in a wheelchair.

I watched a lot of Lift Off and Round the Twist. Brilliant ABC kids TV shows.

Mum bought me Paul Jennings, Roald Dahl and Pollyanna books, and she and I would read them.

And I met children's author Morris Gleitzman.

I learnt a lot in hospital, and despite the pain of it all, I enjoyed it there. I felt safe away from teasing, and I enjoyed being around people who seemed to value me. As mentioned, school was difficult for me so hospital was a bit of a safe-haven and a chance for me to be myself. I even made some lifelong friends there.

Each stay in hospital, I'd make a badge. The pink ladies would have a badge making machine set up occasionally, and we could choose any picture in the world to put inside the badge.

I found this tonight when I was hunting for things to make into brooches.

(Excuse the photo quality - my Canon Ixus is flat from all the dinner/brooch photos so it's another iPhone not-so-special.)

I used to treasure this - my May Gibbs blossom babies name badge.

I know the hospital has changed a lot. There are laptops for kids to use - with internet access! I used to queue for the pay phone! Adolescents are allowed to come and go. And there seems to be a lot more social support services.

But I really hope they still have the badge making machine. I know it was the best part of my stay.

I like rediscovering things from years ago.

ChIPS Camp

So as I mentioned last week, I went to camp as a volunteer staff member for three days.

The camp was organised and run by members and staff of the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program, part of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

It held on a large recreation campsite - the campsite featured high ropes, a giant swing, a dam, dart shooting, a swimming pool, and a number of dormitory houses.

Our group comprised 47 people - around 13 staff members and the rest Chippers.

It always amazes me that these extensively planned and smoothly run camps are organised and led by the Chippers themselves. The Chippers are between 12 and 25 years of age, and to plan and lead a camp as a young person in Chips is fantastic - I congratulate everyone involved.

We were placed into teams and partook in challenge by choice activities (raft building and racing, high ropes and giant swing), and did crafts, and had many activities to get to know everyone better. As mentioned in a previous blog post, there was a dress up party - a lot of fun!

There were some truly inspiring and emotional moments at camp - I'll remember these forever. I will also cherish the relationships I built on camp and throughout my ChIPS involvement and beyond. Everyone involved in ChIPS is amazing. And the friendships built are strong and long lasting, and empathetic.

I love seeing these young people develop and challenge themselves through physical an interpersonal activities, but above all, I love seeing them come out of their shell and be themselves in such a nurturing environment.

I challenged myself by going on the giant swing. The harness gave me the biggest wedgie ever. Front wedgie mind you. It hurt so so much. Hurt my skin like you wouldn't believe, but the rush of the drop from the (near) top of the giant swing made it worth it.

Here is a picture of me going up the ladder to be hoisted into the air on the giant swing.



And here is one of me wearing my end of camp medal on (the picture has been edited - the whole picture features my fantastic Fake Tan team members).



ChIPS is such a huge part of my life, and though I wasn't involved with it as a young person when I needed the support the most, I am so glad I've found it now, and I can help these wonderful young people.

At the end of the camp we receive books called 'warm fuzzies' - where everyone on camp can write a messages to each other. I treasure my warm fuzzies - to have someone tell me how I made a difference to them means the world to me.

PS - in case you are wondering what that orange thing is on me in both photos - it is my personal mascot to identify me with my team - team Fake Tan (orange) - I created a Gossip Girl like bow headband out of some orange material, some glittery material, a button and a safety pin - very Blair Warldorf - but it got too floppy in my face so I turned it into a Carrie Bradshaw like brooch.

It's camp tomorrow

I am about to leave for work. It's my last day for the week, and I'll return next Wednesday after Australia Day.

Tomorrow I am volunteering on the ChIPS camp. I am super excited! Camp is always an amzing, inspirational experience for me, and for the others who attend.

Here is me at the previous camp last year. I was about to be hoisted up in a harness to 10 meters off the ground.



I'll let you all know how camp was when I return.

Costume making

I'm moving to microblogging with this entry - it may be shorter than usual but I'm actually typing it on my iPhone which means the keyboard is a touch screen, hence micro! Not true microblogging I know, but I microblog all the time on Twitter (add me @carlyfindlay).

Today I'm finalising two costumes for events this week. Costumes are fun but I'm yet to go all out and custom make something on a sewing machine.

One is for a hens party - it's a 1920s flapper theme so I'll be wearing a vintage dress from Flair Vintage with a large headband and black heels. Probably not true 1920s but it gives me a chance to wear this dress!

The other is my ChIPS camp costume - it will be a surprise until it's revealed at camp on Thursday night. this costume is a bit more DIY - it's involved making an iron on tee shirt transfer. I actually created the picture in the design program Gimp which makes me very proud considering I'm bad at most things design on the computer. I have two pieces of clothing/footwear from my wardrobe that fits the theme perfectly, and I also sourced something from the department store-like opshop Savers. I'm very excited to reveal it at camp! And all will be revealed here post camp.

Ok Microblogging is tiring. Thumb is tired.

Bye!

Look out world!

Hello,

My name is Carly and I've decided to start a Blogspot blog. I've had a few blogs over the years, including a Myspace one which I may transfer entries from when I feel motivated enough to do so.

This blog will be a way to keep up my writing. It may be frivolous, irrelevant, full of varied topics, serious, funny and sad. There may be photos.

A little about me:

I live in Melbourne, Australia, but grew up in country New South Wales, Australia. I prefer Melbourne.

I work full time for the government as an events planner/communicator/executive assistant/tea lady/provider of workplace fun. I like my job. A lot.

I also study part time. I'm doing a Master of Communication. It's very interesting and I'm always keen to learn more in each subject. Right now I have two subjects to do. My interest areas are literary journalism, and new media. I recently did an essay on how new media helps people with chornic illnesses to communicate, form communities and develop identities. Maybe I'll expand on that for my thesis.

The other (serious) activity that takes up my time is mentoring for a program for young people with chronic illnesses, run by the Children's Hospital. I love this more than you could imagine. It is so rewarding to help these young people develop confidence, friendships, lifeskills and leadership skills. And in doing so, I've developed confidence, friendship, lifeskills and leadership skills. You can find out more about this fantastic program on the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) website.

You may ask how I got involved with ChIPS. I have a chronic illness. Maybe a disability, but I prefer not to call it that. My illness is called ichthyosis form erythroderma. It means scaly red skin. It's not just a bit of eczema on the back of my knee. It can make me very unwell, very sore, sometimes a bit miserable. There are social and medical challenges associated with it. But I am not dying from it, and I generally have a positive attitude about it. I will be likely to talk about throughout this blog.

I also like, probably in the following order:

• listening to music and seeing bands
• shopping, clothes and accessories
• cooking and eating
• cheese
• writing
• the TV shows Rush, Love My Way, Secret Life of Us, Felicity
• media - quality journalism, websites, blogs, social media
• making things - like jewellery, books, papercrafts

Right now it's about 40 degrees. My skin doesn't cope well with the heat. So I'm going to watch the news and then head off to the shopping centre for some icecream, free airconditioning and hopefully-not-too-expensive purchases.

Talk to you soon.

Carly :)