Sharon Fulwood considers herself to be an ordinary mum who has been dealt an extraordinary circumstance when it comes to the dynamics in her family.
It all began 26 years ago when her eldest son, Jake was born with spina bifida.
“I had to fight my way through grief on top of being a new mum and it was difficult to make life changing decisions and then to come home to no support, apart from immediate family, was harrowing,” Sharon said.
Sixteen months later Sharon’s second son Ryan was born, who was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Eight days after the birth of her third child, her baby girl Emma was admitted to hospital with bacterial meningitis.
Fast forward six years, Sharon, along with the Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball Association, started what is now the biggest club-based wheelchair basketball tournament in Australia.
“The wheelchair basketball family is amazing, they share their stories, where to get information and how they coped,” Sharon said.
In 2018 Sharon held the inaugural RDE expo on the Sunshine Coast in reaction to the NDIS being rolled out on the Sunshine Coast, and none of her friends knowing how to get assistance in this new scheme.
“Today we are in eight regions around Queensland and know that we assist in changing the quality of peoples lives because they can now see what is available in their region and compare companies and products under the one roof,“ Sharon said.
Sharon’s children are now all grown up, living independently, and generally thriving with assistance from the NDIS and a community of friends and family to support them.
The Sunshine Coast Disability Expo will take place on 8 September at Caloundra Indoor Stadium, located on North St, Golden Beach.
Register your free ticket at disabilityexposc.com.au
