LITTLE Tiffani Scholten loves nothing more than feeling the sand between her toes.
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For her parents Carissa and James, the fact such a simple pleasure puts big smile on their daughter’s face is priceless.
Tiffani was born with the chromosomal disorder Retts Syndrome and the diagnosis was that she would never roll, sit, walk or talk and may not even make it to her fifth birthday.
This year, Tiffani started kindergarten and will soon celebrate her fifth year. This little trooper, who weighs just nine kilograms, is even using sign language to communicate.
One of four children, Tiffani is a social butterfly, according to mum Carissa, and loves nothing more than being the centre of attention.
“She loves the beach and we often carry her down there or put her in a baby carrier,” Carissa said. “She loves to be on the sand. It would be a dream come true for her to walk on the beach.”
And Port Macquarie’s online community is helping to make that happen after Carissa posted a picture of a baby walker she would like to purchase on her Facebook page.
“It is a harness that straps to the legs of an adult’s body. You place the child in the front and when you walk, the child can walk with you,” Carissa said.
“I shared it on my Facebook page and opened a group with just a few of my friends, and now there are over 450 people on there wanting to help.”
A random act of kindness by a stranger to help Carissa raise enough money to buy the device has left her feeling a little humbled. The harness costs $545 and if enough money is raised, Carissa would like to purchase a second carrier for her occupational therapist to share with other local families.
“I’d just like to thank everyone for their support and all of those people who have donated and contributed their time to this,” Carissa, who is also selling chocolates as a part of her own fundraising efforts, said.
Donations can be made directly to Carissa Scholten BSB 112879 account number 484 632 601. You can join the Facebook group at Help Get Tiffy Walkin.