By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
While taking on the adventure of motherhood can be intimating for any new parent, for Sonia Marshall the journey has been as challenging as it has been rewarding.
In 2005 Sonia gave birth to her first child, Evie.
There were, however, complications.
Just six weeks in, the single mum was informed that her beautiful new daughter had cystic fibrosis (CF).
The most common life threatening genetic condition in Australia, CF affects many of the body’s systems, including lungs and digestion.
While improved medication and treatments have seen life expectancy extend considerably, a cure is yet to be uncovered.
As heartbreaking and unfair as the circumstances may have seemed at the time, Sonia was determined from the start that Evie’s condition would not define her or her daughter.
Indeed, the now mum of two has done everything in her power to ensure that she, Evie and second daughter Liv (6) live their lives to the fullest.
Along with her duties as a mother, Sonia has managed to find the time to complete a PhD at Sunshine Coast University, be involved in many groups in the Noosa community, particularly in environmental endeavours, and is currently working part time in local government policy.
Sonia’s work hours will, however, lessen as Evie’s condition requires more and more care.
“As time goes on Evie’s lungs and digestive system will begin to degenerate, her condition’s worsening as she ages,” Sonia said.
“She will have less and less independence with things becoming more difficult, even simple things like walking will be a struggle.”
On a “good day” Sonia gets Evie out of bed about 5am and they complete the one and a half hours of physiotherapy she requires each morning before school.
Evie must also take her medications and nebulizers as well as completing all the normal tasks required to get ready for school.
Helping Liv get ready too Sonia drops the girls of to school and heads to work.
“We’re always a little late,” she admits.
After school, Evie’s treatment regime is on again with another one and a half hours of physiotherapy, medications and nebulisers.
While Evie is able to eat normal solid foods, because her body is working so hard to keep her breathing she struggles to put on weight and so since she was four has had a feeding peg inserted for 10 hours every night.
“I don’t stop running around,” Sonia said.
“It really is such a balancing act dividing my attention between my two daughters and ensuring that both of them get everything they need and more.
“Liv not only needs my attention, too, but she also needs added support as she, too, is worried about her sister.
“Sometimes it will come to 9pm at night and Liv is still craving attention so I’ll spend an hour just with her.”
Ever humble, Sonia said she was no superhero, though sometimes she certainly feels like one.
“I’m far from perfect,” Sonia said, “every now and then I’ll send the girls off to school with the wrong uniform or things like that, but these things just happen.
“Sometimes I do joke with the kids about wearing my undies outside my pants because I’m a bit of a ‘superhero’, but I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the strong support network of family and friends and the local community.”
Sonia will be among the many Noosa locals participating in this year’s 65 kilometre run and walk for organ donation and against cystic fibrosis.
Mum in Profile
Age: 40
Profession: Environmental management
Greatest passion: Sustainability and the environment
What do you see as your greatest personal achievement to date?
First and foremost it would be raising two beautiful daughters. Secondly it would be completing a PhD and having a great career.
Who inspires you?
My daughter Evie. How she handles her conditions is just remarkable. She is always smiling no matter what. She is such a positive thinker. In second place I would have to say the rest of the cystic fibrosis community – they are amazing people with so much courage, strength, hope and faith.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a single mum?
I think the biggest challenge is remembering to care for the carer. Often I need to remind myself that if I fall down the kids fall down, so I have to be conscious to stop and take a breath and while it feels selfish, take that time for myself whenever I can.
Do you have any advice for someone newly inducted into the world of motherhood?
Take the time out when you can. To mothers of someone with a chronic illness, I would tell them to not let the illness define them. It doesn’t own you or your child. Please live life to the fullest and make sure your family lives out their dreams.
What do you love most about Noosa? The people in the community and the beautiful natural environment.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be?
I honestly can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Noosa is a wonderful place.
Please name one thing on your bucket list:
A cure for cystic fibrosis or at least a way to extend the lives of those with the condition.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
When I was in high school I was the Queensland state girls’ trap shooting champion. It’s certainly not something I would ever do again but I went in because all the boys said it was something the girls couldn’t do and I wanted to prove a point.
None of the boys at our school were champions so it was proven.
