CP is a permanent disability that affects movement and result from damage to the brain, usually before birth. In Australia it is estimated that a child is born with CP every 18 hours. There is no known cure and for most the cause is unknown.

One such person is Guyra’s own Sara Brazier who is well known around town for her endearing personality and smiling face. Fifteen year old Sara was diagnosed with CP when she was just 18 months old. While symptoms vary among sufferers, Sara mainly has problems with her speech and ability to walk. She travels to Newcastle regularly, where she has botox injections with up to 8 needles at a time to help relax tight musles.

Despite this Sara has enjoyed great success at swimming competitions, and recently came home with five gold medals and four personal best times at the Special Olympics, Hunter Valley Region which was held at Kurri Kurri.

Swimming is not only something that she enjoys but is good exercise for Sara. During the summer she swims twice a week with Guyra Swimming Club and during the winter months travels to Armidale once a week.

Sara’s mum Lorraine is keen to encourage the community to consider what a person with CP is capable of doing instead of focusing on what they are not able to do. ‘I think it’s important to raise awareness because there are many people who do not know or understand enough about the disability. While Sara may find it difficult to do some things, she always gives the task 100% and never gives up trying. Her father Greg, brother Jake, sister Tori and I are so proud of Sara in her swimming but also as a person.”

Living in a small town has certainly helped. According to Lorraine people have always accepted Sara and, because they know her, are only too happy to take the time to listen. Discrimination has thankfully never been a part of her life

What does the future hold for Sara? She hopes to keep up the swimming and would like to work with a vet because she loves animals – horses are her favourite.

As for the medical side of things, she is off to Sydney next week for a gait analysis which will hopefully identify any muscles causing problems which may be corrected by surgery

Lorraine and Sara encourage everyone in the community to be aware of people who have a disability and give them a fair go.