Caloundra local Doreen Quick’s life changed dramatically earlier this year when she suffered a stroke while in her kitchen.
The stroke left her without the use of one side of her body, leading to months of rehabilitation at Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), where she had to relearn how to walk and regain use of her arm.
During her recovery, SCUH’s Rehab team saw the need for specialized mobility aids and turned to Wishlist for help.
The Rehab team applied for funding to purchase three single-arm wheelchairs, specifically designed for stroke patients facing long-term hospital stays, along with three power wheelchairs.
Thanks to generous donations, Wishlist has been able to secure all but one of the single-arm wheelchairs.
Pictured: Doreen with community fundraisers Sam and Dan, who raised over $7,000 to fund one of the single arm wheelchairs.
Doreen herself used the wheelchair extensively during her hospital stay, allowing her to move freely around the hospital, attend physiotherapy, meet the Wishlist therapy dog, and enjoy fresh air outside—all without needing to ask for assistance from nursing staff.
For Doreen, the gift of mobility made a world of difference.
“Regaining that independence was indescribable,” she shared, reflecting on the profound impact it had on her recovery.
With just one more single-arm wheelchair to be funded, Wishlist continues to raise support to help other stroke patients like Doreen reclaim their independence during their rehabilitation.
Help stroke patients on the Sunshine Coast
One in four people over twenty-five will suffer a stroke in their lifetime and every 12 minutes a stroke goes untreated adds an extra day to recovery time.
Wishlist is fundraising $600,000 towards a Biplane Unit for SCUH, which will be vital in the early treatment of strokes and brain aneurysms, saving the burden of disability for countless people in the future.
To support Wishlist and help fund the Biplane Unit for the benefit of stroke patients, make a tax-deductible donation here or phone 5202 1777.
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