Ava Vallance weighs a slight 17 kilograms. The six-year-old was born with cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk, but despite her small frame, lifting Ava in and out of the car has becoming increasing difficult for her parents, Nicole and Brad.
To make life easier, the Vallance family is organising a fundraising dinner at Moonee Valley Racecourse to help them purchase a van that will fit Ava’s wheelchair.
“It’s getting harder now, she’s getting bigger,” Ms Vallance, of Keilor East, says.
They hope to sell between 300 and 500 tickets to the event, Driving Miss Ava, which will be held on November 5.
“Our fundraising goal is $65,000,” Ms Vallance said. “The new car will cost $80,000, and more than a third of this is for the customised modifications Ava requires.”
Last year the community raised $10,000 to help the Vallance family modify their house to suit Ava’s mobility needs.
Tickets for Driving Miss Ava are available at www.facebook.com/drivingmissava.
Alexandra Laskie
