Jack makes headway

IT WAS all about celebrating achievements and milestones made by local children with cerebral palsy (CP) last week.
Australian long distance runner Steve Moneghetti and Hawthorn footy players met with children from all over the state at the Coffee Club in Chapel Street, Prahran, for a morning tea to celebrate their achievements.
The event was also meant to recognise the support of their parents, carers and supporters, including Berwick resident Samantha Couper.
Ms Couper has raised more than $6000 for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) in Glen Waverley in the last three years by having bake sales and pushing Belgrave South child Jack Mullan across the finish line at the Melbourne Marathon every year.
Jack suffered a brain haemorrhage at 34 weeks, and his parents were told at birth, he may not have long life, but six years later, Jack is making vast improvements, CPEC spokeswoman Robyne Somerville said.
“Jack cannot walk, sit up or talk, but he is making great progress with his communication book made especially for him by CPEC,” Ms Somerville said.
“Jack is now able to get his point across by pointing to his book, which is making everyone’s life, in particular his, a whole lot less frustrating. Jack is also vision-impaired, but has recently moved into the school preparation class at CPEC. As now he is communicating, he is looking forward to starting Prep with all the big girls and boys in 2012.”
For more information about CPEC, visit www.cpec.org.au.