When our children, nieces, nephews or friends are born, if we are lucky enough, we get to thank our lucky stars they are happy and healthy.

We could never call Mia ‘disabled’ or ‘handicapped’ because her condition does not appear to slow her down or impede her.

She still enjoys climbing on playground equipment and playing with her little sister, Andy.

Mia, now two-and-a-half, was born with congenital femoral deficiency (CFD), a condition that caused her hip and femur to be underdeveloped at birth.

The rare nature of her condition means that many doctors in Australia are unable to fix it.

But Mia’s mother, Leila Bright, has found a surgeon in America who can help – for $300,000.

The surgery and additional costs have been weighing on the family’s mind.

Ms Bright does not like to ask for money but will happily do it if it means helping her daughter.

There are kind-hearted people who genuinely want to make a difference and we need to find them again.

In the past, we have seen the community rally together to send Wagga’s Brad Fewson and Amanda Norman overseas for life-saving and life-changing treatment.

Why can’t we do the same for Mia?

Is the $300,000 price tag daunting?

Yes.

Does it mean we shouldn’t try?

Absolutely not.

At least $1000 raised in 300 businesses and households across the community is all it will take to get the family where they need to be.

The money is lacking but the generosity is not.

Rattle some tins, take a collection at work, hold a bake sale, donate a few stray dollars.

We can’t cure cancer or take pain or disease away from children but we can help this family.

Wagga, you have this in you.

The Specialist Medical Resources Foundation has set up an account for the family.

Residents can contribute by referencing Mia’s Big Adventure and donating via BSB 633 000 and account number 155181498.

Email smrfoundation@outlook.com for donation receipts.