I hope you understand just how much your support of Bedford has forever changed the lives of people with disability and disadvantage and their families. I also hope you know that your continued support has never been so crucial.

It has been estimated that 7 out of 10 families caring for someone with profound and multiple disabilities have reached or come close to ‘breaking point’ because of a lack of respite or support services.

The overwhelming feeling experienced by too many of the parents I speak with is that their voice will only be heard when the situation has reached crisis point. Sadly for many, this has already happened.

There is also an emerging generation of ageing parents who are reaching an agonising crossroad. After a lifetime of caring for their children with disability, they are coming to the painful realisation that, before long, they will be too old or frail to continue in their caring role.

I will leave you to think about these heartaches as I introduce you to Janelle Pearson and share her family’s story.

Janelle is 24 years old and lives with her Mum, Joylene, and Dad, Rob, in Adelaide, having recently moved from Port Lincoln.

Born ‘a perfect and beautiful little black haired baby’ according to Joylene, it seemed she was going to follow the same path of health and happiness as her two older sisters.

But, after only 6 months, Joylene and Rob were devastated by a heartbreaking piece of news that would irreversibly change their lives.

Janelle’s tiny body was fighting a severe form of Leukemia that claimed the lives of most children it affected.

After being told she had only three months to live, they prepared themselves for the worst. But, thanks to the rare success of a bone marrow transplant, Janelle won her battle for life.

To Joylene and Rob their baby girl had won her fight for survival, but, unbeknownst to them, a lifetime of struggle and anxiety was about to begin.

As Janelle began to grow, Joylene noticed she was developing at a slower rate than her two other daughters had - something Joylene put down to the tough start she’d had in life.

It was only when Janelle started school that the reality of their situation emerged. It was obvious Janelle was falling behind and struggling to fit in socially. A child psychologist was called in to assess her.

Joylene recalls that day vividly: “I remember he sat me down and told me all the things she would never do. She’d never live alone, never marry, or never drive a car. My child would never do a whole list of things. As a parent, you like to imagine there are some positives to the bleak reality - but he didn’t give me any.”

Joylene and Rob struggled to come to terms with the fact they would always have to support Janelle. Beyond that, they now faced excruciating nights of worry about the ‘what ifs’. What if something were to happen to them? What if they became ill and could no longer work? What happens when they get old and can no longer care for Janelle? Who will care for her?

Despite these persistent and never ending concerns, life continued on for the Pearson family. Janelle attended the Port Lincoln Special School. It was there that she had the opportunity to undertake work experience at Bedford in Port Lincoln in the cleaning team and joined as an employee after her graduation.

Her employment at Bedford not only marked the beginning of her working life, but a series of achievements that would prove her doubters wrong.

Janelle made many friends. With the support of Bedford staff, she easily transitioned into the gardening team and successfully completed her Certificate II in Business.

Her biggest triumph though came when she earned her driver’s licence with the help of Bedford, proving once and for all that she is capable of accomplishing more than anyone ever dreamed.

I am thrilled, as I am sure you are also, to know that your past support has played such a big part in helping her achieve.

But I know Joylene still worries about the future. And this is why...

Last year Rob was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and is unable to continue his work as a plumber. Joylene is also unable to work in her profession as a nurse because she needs a double knee reconstruction.

The question of respite, and more pressingly long-term care for Janelle, is a question that needs answering...and soon.

Thanks to your support, Bedford can provide much needed respite for Janelle, finally giving Joylene the opportunity to have her knees operated on.

And when the time comes that Joylene and Rob can no longer care for Janelle, Bedford will be there for her. We offer supported accommodation at Balyana, our residential centre in Clapham, in addition to community based homes around the State.

Until then, Bedford will continue to prepare Janelle for that transition. She will be encouraged to take part in life skills training programs, including learning to cook, money management and shopping.

Since moving to Adelaide Janelle has already started taking steps to increase her independence. She now catches the bus on her own to her new role in the Bedford packaging team at Panorama. She is also joining Club Contact, a social program run by Bedford that aims to provide social activities for people with disability.

She’s even ready for another challenge and next month will undertake work experience in the hospitality team, with the hope of joining them permanently.

We work tirelessly to turn your valuable donations into life changing opportunities for people with disability, but the cost of caring for these vulnerable people is rising each year.

I desperately need your help to reassure families like the Pearsons that Bedford can continue to provide the vital services needed by their children, well into the future.

Your financial support will give hope to Janelle and people like her for a safe, independent and happy future. We really couldn’t do what we do without you.