BEING a mother of twins is a full-time job, but for Elizabeth Sfetkidis having one with Down syndrome means she has a heavier workload than most.
Her daughter, Marina, was only a few weeks old when Ms Sfetkidis realised she was different to her twin brother. Visits to two doctors confirmed she had the condition that affects about 60 Victorian babies
a year.
But their lives will be made a little easier after they persuaded Wyndham Council to provide an extra aide to help look after Marina, 4, at Iramoo Kindergarten.
“She’s a beautiful girl and I want her to have the most normal life possible without her affecting other children,” Ms Sfetkidis says.
“Marina has sight problems, hearing problems, behavioural problems … at some points she can be very affectionate, which can go overboard, and she has no sense of fear, so God knows where you’d find her if you didn’t have your eyes on her.”
Ms Sfetkidis is hosting a fund-raising morning tea this Saturday, to celebrate the achievements of people with the condition and recognise the importance of inclusion.
Proceeds will go to Down Syndrome Victoria. Ms Sfetkidis hopes to raise $3000.
“It’s not only to raise money but also to raise awareness,” she said.
“The more awareness in the Werribee community the better and when it comes to fighting for kinders and later, fighting for schools, it will make our lives easier.”
