Lucy’s journey, aged four, is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. From the very start of her life, she faced difficult circumstances. At an early age, Lucy and her mother experienced instability due to a challenging home environment. Exposure to frequent disruptions made her early years difficult, but with courage, they sought safety and support in shelters, creating a path toward healing and a brighter future. 

By the time Lucy turned two, concerns about her language development began to grow. She had only two words in her vocabulary, raising fears about possible developmental delays. Julie, Lucy’s grandmother, attempted to seek support through the state system, but long waitlists for speech therapy posed a significant barrier. That’s when they discovered Rosie, Lucy’s Speech Pathologist. In just one session, Lucy’s vocabulary expanded to eight words – a breakthrough moment that filled the family with hope. Rosie provided guidance and training, helping them use targeted strategies to support Lucy’s language development. 

Despite these efforts, by the time Lucy turned three, her verbal communication remained limited. While she understood instructions well, she struggled to express herself. Recognising the need for specialised intervention, Speech Pathologist Rosie recommended TSH’s programs. Though Lucy was not initially selected for the playgroup, her time at daycare revealed a crucial insight: when surrounded by children with stronger language skills, she quickly adapted and improved. This demonstrated that her challenges stemmed not from an inability to learn, but from a lack of consistent, targeted exposure. 

The turning point came when Lucy was offered a place in the Talkabout 4 Kindy program at TSH. The impact was immediate and each week she eagerly anticipated her sessions, even during long drives (sometimes up to two hours) to attend. Along the way, she and her grandmother Julie would sing songs and create imaginative stories, making the journey as enriching as the destination. At TSH, Lucy thrives. Her vocabulary has developed, her confidence has soared, and her love for learning has become apparent. From discovering new words such as “camouflage” to describing her world with vibrant detail, her progress is nothing short of remarkable. 

For Lucy’s mother, navigating the application process alone would have been overwhelming. With Julie’s help, they applied for a bursary, hoping that financial support would make this life changing opportunity possible. Their dreams were answered when a generous sponsor, the Tomasi family, stepped in to cover Lucy’s fees with a scholarship. The news brought Lucy’s mother to tears, an overwhelming moment of gratitude for the kindness of strangers who believed in her daughter’s potential. 

“It’s just been lifesaving for Lucy. The opportunities TSH and the Tomasi family have opened up for her.” 
– Julie (Grandmother) 

Today, Lucy is thriving in the Talkabout 4 Kindergarten Program at TSH, embracing every learning opportunity with enthusiasm. Each week, she returns home covered in paint, beaming with pride as she recounts her activities. For her family, the transformation has been extraordinary. Thanks to the generosity of TSH and its supporters, Lucy’s future is now filled with possibility, proving that with the right support, every child has the chance to thrive. 

If you are in a position to support a young child like Lucy, we would love to hear from you at fundraise@tsh.org.au.

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