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4A ELIXIR OF SUCCESS Extraordinary life of Elle Macpherson PLL KINDNESS COUNTS Supporting . parents of kids with disabilities 3) FUEL FOR THOUGHT We answer your food and fitness questions Photo: Billie Scheepers Being a carer for a family member or friend can be hugely challenging and life alte g — now it’s time to recog e and celebrate the selflessness, commitment and resilience involved twas 2016 when Sydney mum Meredith Coote’s lively, vivacious 14-year-old daughter came home from a music camp feeling unwell Gabrielle, a teen who excelled at school and adored music, art and her younger brother, had developed meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. While a gravely ill Gabrielle survived the illness, the touch-and-go battle profoundly affected her mental health, leaving Meredith facing a daunting reality. “Seven years ago, my beautiful, bright, sparkly, 14-year-old daughter caught meningitis and nearly died — the girl we got back has never been the same again,” says Meredith, who, ironically, had spent 38 years working in the disability, aged care and mental health sectors. “We'll never know for sure what the impacts of the illness were mentally or physically, however it was the beginning of a journey of such loss for her and all of us. Lost education, lost friendships, lost opportunities, lost dreams; at times, lost hope.” For Meredith that loss also ultimately meant giving up a job she loved, having to constantly say no to social occasions Words Liz McGrath and the financial impact of endless visits to doctors, psychiatrists and therapists, as she and her husband searched for answers “You end up in this alternate universe, in the role of a carer,” she says. “Whether you're a brain surgeon or a barista, if you have a close family member in crisis, you have to assist when they need you; there is often noone else” She says the financial, physical and emotional toll is enormous. “Even to do things for yourself like going to the dentist, doctor, a car service, many things start to suffer; you can’t commit and can never be sure you'll get there. “Itmeans finding and sharing your story with people who will understand, who will excuse the last-minute cancellations, the missed appointments and the social disappointments.” While Meredith's commitment to Gabrielle knows no bounds, she insists she’s no superhero. “Carers are just ordinary people who have found ourselves in these roles through what life has dealt us. It’s what you do, and you truly aren’t doing anything extraordinary,” she says. “It’s also really important to remember that the person you care for also didn’t choose to need caring for. The impact on their lives is often even greater.” Carers Australia chief executive Alison Brook says Meredith’s story represents the challenging reality of resilience and sacrifice that caregivers face every day. “More than one in 10 Australians are carers and they make an incredible contribution to our community as well as our national economy,” Alison says. “Carers face much higher levels of social isolation and financial stress, and often have little time for self-care as they deal with a range of complex challenges. “They need all the support that we can provide, which is why we're urging everyone to support National Carers Week from October 15-21 “It’s atime to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the 2.65 million Australians who provide care to the family members or friends who need them “itis the selflessness, commitment and skills of people like Meredith who collectively weave together the essential social infrastructure — whose contribution to our country far exceeds what any monetary figure could buy.” For more information about National Carers Week, visit carersweek.com.au The House of Wellness advertising feature is published monthly on behalf of CW Media Pty Ltd (ACN 606 548 298). Prices and information correct at time of printing. All products may not be available from all Chemist Warehouse stores. Not all products or promotions featured in this catalogue are available online. We beat everyone's prices! At Chemist Warehouse if you find a cheaper price on the exact same item at another Australian retail store, we will match it and give you 10% off the difference! (Excludes ‘online only’ offers.) Exact means same product, with the same packaging and where the product on offer at the other retail store is not a clearance or run out stock. All products subject to manufacturer's availability. We reserve the right to adjust printing errors. Offers exclude products sold by Marketplace Seller. #The save prices listed are calculated from the supplier's RRP (Recommended Retail Price) at the time of preparation and where no such price exists is the retail price found at competing retailers. Due to discount policy we may not have sold at RRP. The save price advertised is off our EDLP (Everyday Low Price) at the time of printing. AC-O04242 2. THE HOUSE OF WELLNESS
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