Meet Eddy

Like many two-year-olds, young Eddy is generous with his giggles, his cuddles, and his opinions! A “ball of energy and happiness”, Eddy lights up the lives of his parents, Lauren and Chris. But when they discovered that Eddy had been born blind, these first-time parents were filled with uncertainty for their child’s future.

“It was such a shock,” says Lauren. “The milestones were going through my head...how is he going to learn how to eat? How will he learn how to walk? What does his future look like? Will he be able to get a job?”

These fears soon turned into learning opportunities with the support of Vision Australia. With early intervention through specialist children’s services, Eddy’s parents were given the guidance they needed to help Eddy thrive, including counselling support and connecting with other parents at a playgroup for children with low vision.

“Being told that your child is going to have a disability is really daunting. It’s hard. It’s still hard,” explains Lauren. “But the support and community that we’ve gotten brightened the future for us as parents. It helped us know that everything’s going to be all right,” she says.  

Dad Chris agrees. “I think especially because Eddy was our first child, we had an idea of what life might look like and it suddenly felt like none of that could happen,” he adds. “But Vision Australia allowed us to see a future for Eddy and know that he’s got opportunities ahead of him.” 

Share the magic with kids like Eddy

This Carols by Candlelight, share the magic with children who are blind or have low vision. Your gift will help them access the specialist support and services they need to grow and thrive. To explore and experience their wonderful world fully.

Your generosity this Christmas can have a lifelong impact and transform young lives.