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Meet Lucy

Five-year-old Lucy loves animals, rainbows, mermaids and playing with her little brother Darcy.

And next year, she's getting ready for one of her biggest adventures yet: starting school.
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Lucy lives with Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic condition that causes severe vision impairment from early childhood. For her family living in rural North Queensland, finding the right support meant long distances and few options.

Across Queensland, other children with blindness or low vision are in the same position – also needing specialist support to learn vital skills that lead to independence. For many, it’s a long way away.

This Christmas, your kindness can bring that support to a child who needs it.

"How is she going to do a grocery shop?”

When Brittany and Ryan first learned about Lucy's vision, the questions came fast.

"I remember one day just driving the car and thinking, 'Oh my God, how is she going to do a grocery shop?'" — Brittany

Living in Rural North Queensland, the family also faced the challenge: getting specialist help in the first place. For families in regional and remote communities, support can mean long journeys and careful planning. For some it simply isn’t in reach. 

Without the right guidance early on, children with low vision or blindness can miss out on the skills that let them explore, make choices and do everyday things for themselves.

Then Brenda made the trip

Thanks to Guide Dogs Queensland, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Brenda travels from Townsville to work with Lucy and her family, right where Lucy lives and plays.

Together, they’ve been practising the skills that make everyday life possible: using her white cane, finding her way around the family home and learning to recognise landmarks.

Brenda has also been helping Lucy to explore her new school, practising routes before the first day and has been helping her future teachers understand how to support her learning.

And then, one morning, this happened:

Lucy picked up her breakfast plate and carried it to the kitchen sink, all by herself. 

“Most people wouldn’t think twice about that. But for me, it’s just little everyday things like that. I can’t help but stop and have a little moment. That’s my girl.” – Brittany 

Make moments like this possible
Your Christmas gift helps provide practical training and guidance to children and families who need it, including those living in regional communities.
Donate Now

$50

Could help provide Braille paper so Lucy can practice reading and writing.

$140

Could help provide a new white cane as Lucy grows.

$250

Could help provide tactile maps so Lucy can explore her world.

Every gift helps a child build everyday skills, grow in confidence and take their first steps towards independence – and it's needed now, while there’s still time to reach more children before Christmas.

"I hope she feels a huge sense of independence and freedom. She has so much life ahead of her."
— Brittany

Donate this Christmas

Every child deserves to meet their next milestone with confidence.

Guide Dogs Queensland accesses funding support for Lucy via Specialist Disability Support in Schools (SDSS), but it simply isn't enough to meet the growing need. Many Queenslanders who are blind or have low vision are still waiting for vital support. Your generosity helps us reach more people, empowering them to live independently, confidently and as valued members of their communities.