Barefoot bowls fundraiser to raise money for Ivy’s medical costs

A BAREFOOT bowls fundraiser will be held on Saturday, 1 November at Club North Haven for 10-year-old local Ivy Latham, with money raised going towards her ongoing medical costs.

Described by her mother Melisa Iping as smart, spunky, determined and very headstrong, Ivy is like any other girl her age except that she was born with achondroplasia (the most common type of dwarfism) and has Type 1 Diabetes.

She is the only known child in Australia with both conditions.

Ivy is a younger sister to 12-year-old Portia and 13-year-old Isabella, she enjoys talking to everyone she meets and loves her school and friends.

Her serious health complications including seizures and a brain shunt however mean that Melisa is always on call, and everywhere she goes she must take a plethora of medical equipment and supplies.

Ivy’s insulin pump sends alerts to Melisa’s phone when her blood sugar fluctuates.

To manage this risk, Melisa can never be far from Ivy, making it impossible for her to work.

Melisa says this issue could be partly alleviated by a specially-trained diabetes dog, however the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has so far declined to provide funding.

Melisa is determined to fight to make sure that Ivy’s life is as full and normal as possible, and has been successful in gaining NDIS funding to procure a specially made bike which is on its way from Poland.

In the hope of reducing some of the financial burden on Melisa, Camden Haven mother Shaarn Whitehouse and a small group of locals have rallied to put on a Barefoot Bowls Fundraiser at Club North Haven on Saturday.

The event will run from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, with all funds raised going to the family.

“We have run several local fundraisers over the last few years, and I get a real sense of joy seeing the families’ faces as we help them,” Shaarn said.

To nominate a team, contact Shaarn on 0402364689.

Spectators are also welcome to join in the fun.

By Rachael THORPE