Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird has come to the aid of Wollongong moleculor biologist Dr Justin Yerbury after his application for a wheelchair under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was recently denied.
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Dr Yerbury devoted his life to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after if affected many members of his family. He has worked tirelessly at the Illawarra Health and Medical Rersearch Institute (IHMRI) even after succumbing to the disease himself two years ago.
Despite being almost completely paralysed he continues to work hard on his research.
After the NDIS denial the family set up a gofundme campaign with a goal of $75,000 to purchase a wheelchair as well as a suitable vehicle for his needs.
The family also contacted Ms Bird who has been working tirelessly herself during the last fortnight making representations on Dr Yerbury’s behalf.
Then on Friday she was able to contact the family to share the good news that the decision to deny him a wheelchair had been overturned. But that wasn’t all.
“We got advised today that they have made a determination to provide a wheelchair, the bathroom modifications and the living support package,” Ms Bird said.
“We worked with the family last year when they got their initial package and then they came back to us when it looked like they would not get the wheelchair this time round. We had been working with the agency (NDIS) trying to get some progress on it but didn’t feel we were getting anywhere so we went to Minister Tehan’s office and said we think you need to look at this.”
Ms Bird understood how frustrating and stressful such a process can be and encouraged Social Services Minister Dan Tehan to communicate with the family.
“They came back to us today and said the items have been approved which was the best possible outcome,” she said.
Dr Yerbury’s wife Rachel told Ms Bird the family worried about all people in a similar situation and so she committed to keep making representations on their behalf to ensure the process was not adding unnecessary stress. Ms Bird was moved by their concern for others.
“Hopefully we can make it a bit easier for other people,” she said.
Ms Bird said Dr Yerbury’s committment to continue his own work to help others was extraordinary. She thinks that is why so many people responded to the gofundme page.
“People just really appreciate how much he is giving himself at a difficult time,” she said.
Ms Bird said the NDIS was a huge new scheme and she acknowledged there are always going to be difficulties rolling something so big out.
She said she does know a number of people who have been happy with the process and response to packages they have requested.
“It is working well for many people but when you get circumstances like this where it is not and it is actually adding to people’s concerns and stress that is what we are here as local members to intervene,” she said.
“It doesn’t always succeed but it is exciting when it does.”
Read more:
- Crowdfunding campaign for dedicated MND researcher Dr Justin Yerbury
- Wollongong researchers uncovering mystery of motor neurone disease
- Firefighters have a red hot go climbing 1504 stairs up 98 floors for Motor Neurone Disease
- Firefighter Naomi’s fundraising efforts to help find a cure for MND recognised with Local Legend Award
- Sarah's life cut short
- Researcher out to beat cruel illness
- Breakthrough provides disease clue
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
