About Chelsea
Our daughter, Chelsea was born on the 5th of September 2010, in Queensland, Australia, but things all went pear shaped in November last year when she was just 2 ½ months old; we noticed her making jerking movements. Chelsea was then diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia (a brain defect) and Epilepsy, her jerking movements were seizures. Our precious little baby and I spent 5 weeks in hospital over Christmas and New Years 2010. Recently, at the age of 11 months, after many tests at the Mater Children’s Hospital, she was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy. She has been classified as disabled and takes several anticonvulsants medications and is developmentally delayed. Aicardi Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder with virtually no support groups specifically aimed at Aicardi Syndrome in Australia. Many Aicardi’s children don’t walk or talk, are mentally challenged and require a full time carer, the severity of the Syndrome can vary so we are just hoping for the best and staying positive for Chelsea.
Chelsea battles with seizures that has effected her development. She is getting there slowly – at this point she is 7 years old use a walking frame with assistance, she uses her left arm for holding / reaching for things, loves going to school. She also loves playing in the pool, going to the park and especially having a turn on the swings. She loves people talking to her, knows her name and has always got a smile upon her face which fills us with such happiness. We love Chelsea dearly and wish for her to be happy, healthy and able to live life to the fullest.
Chelsea’s specialist needs include: Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Respite, Seizure Medications, ipad for communication and specialised mobility aids.
To give Chelsea the Best Start to Life – Early Intervention is the Key! Have a look on the tabs on the right to find out more and how you can get involved!
chanceforchelsea 
Yay great website Mel! We love you lots chelsea and are always here to help in any way 🙂 Such a gorgeous girl, always so happy.
Mel and Trent,
You guys are doing a fabulous job raising Chelsea. Your love is unconditional. For better and worse.
I know Chelsea will come through this with your love and help. She is such a happy girl. She always has a smile for her Opa and Oma…
We are so proud of you guys. You are both so strong.
Love Dad and Sandy
Hi Mel, Trent and Chelsea
What a great website! Pete and I will do everything we can to help – and the organised bike ride around the Jacobs Well / Coomera Waters area will go this year! We will lock the details into place then advertise for as many riders as possible. Let’s raise funds, help and awareness for your special little girl!
All the best
Deb and Pete
Hallo Melissa and Trent,
We have never heard from this sickness, but oma mailed us every time of here that she is so lovely.
She is very proud you are so strong and love for her.
We wish you all the best. Love from oom Frans and tante Wil from Holland.
Hi Guys,
We can’t wait for the Pig Races at the Gem Hotel on Saturday!
Opa and Oma xoxox
your story has touched me. we just found out today our daughter has this syndrome and it has been tearing me to peices reading all the poor prognosis. and yours has given me insight as to how soo many people can be wrong. thank you
If you wish feel free to contact us, we also know what you are going through Tara our daughter is now 11, has CP plus many other issues, she was having 300 seizures a day. The important thing is to know the doctors do not know it all, and much is possible no matter what they say.