By Jessica Anstice
Charlotte Hoareau is well-known for her charitable efforts, but now her and her family are seeking much-needed financial support.
The 12-year-old Pakenham girl was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder about two months ago.
Things have very quickly gone downhill for the family.
With the stresses of medical, parking and everyday living expenses, the bills are piling up.
There is no cure for nephrotic syndrome, only treatments that can help Charlotte manage her symptoms and prevent more kidney damage.
Two months ago the family’s life turned upside-down, when Charlotte woke up with severe swelling to her face.
At first, a doctor diagnosed Charlotte with hay fever, but soon after, realised that was not the case.
Charlotte is steroid resistant, which has made handling her illness a difficult task for doctors.
“She hasn’t gone into remission yet. Most children go into remission within four weeks of being on it,” Ms Houreau said.
“The next drug they give her is like chemo, so it will make her infertile and make her lose her hair.
“The next one after that will be dialysis and a kidney transplant. We’re hoping it doesn’t get to that.”
Ironically, three years ago when Charlotte was nine-years-old, she organised a fundraising campaign for a sick child who needed a kidney transplant.
“She did everything by herself. She organised a trivia night to raise money for the child,” Charlotte’s mum Lisa Houreau added.
She also initiated a project two years ago, that saw her, Ms Houreau and younger sister Dakota, spend a day in the city giving backpacks filled with supplies to homeless people.
For her commitment to helping others, Charlotte was announced a recipient of a 2019 Australia Day Medal.
If you would like to donate to Charlotte’s family, click here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/r4bfey-charlotte
