Mikayla is entering into the Developing Foundation River Walk this weekend to raise money for a new wheelchair, car and ongoing therapies. Photo by Melissa Gibson.
VICTORIA Point's Mikayla Homes cannot walk very far unaided, but that hasn't stopped the eight-year-old from signing up to a 5km walk this Sunday, September 16.
The Coolnwynpin State School student will, instead, be getting on her modified bicycle to take part in the 29th Developing Foundation Riverwalk with family and friends in an effort to raise money for a modified car, ongoing therapies and a new power wheelchair to help her cope with symptoms of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia.
Mikayla's mother, Angela, said her daughter was eagerly looking forward to Sunday's event, which coincides with Disability Action Week from September 9-15.
"She's really looking forward to the walk, we did it last year and it was a great day out," she said.
"Mikayla a happy little girl and likes many of the things that other eight-year-old girls like but it's not always easy to join in or find the time."
Angela said Mikayla had been diagnosed with her condition at 18-months-old after being prematurely born weighing 576 grams.
"Considering how small she was when she was born, she has grown a lot over the past year and is now outgrowing her bike and wheelchair," she said.
"She also needs a supportive seating system, a hands-free walking system but, mostly, she needs an all-terrain wheelchair.
"The all-terrain wheelchair would be just great because she could get down to the beach and off the beaten track. She is getting too heavy to carry to these places."
Angela said modifying their bathroom was also on the agenda to give Mikayla access.
"It's a long process but if we can raise as much as possible everything will happen a lot sooner and give Mikayla a lot of independence," she said.
Angela said Mikayla was eagerly practising on her bike between her daily routine of stretching and strengthening exercises, speech and physiotherapy.
"Besides her schedule, she's quite cheeky and between her and her little brother (Kaelan) they keep each other on their toes."
Anyone wanting to sponsor Mikayla on the riverwalk can visit www.developingfoundation.org.au/family/mikayla
Donations made by check or direct debit can be made to Bike Nirvana at Victoria Point, or via email: teammikayla@hotmail.com.