Most of Wagga first met Mia Stewart when she was about 14 months old.
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It was the first time The Daily Advertiser reported on the brave little girl and her parents, who were determined to make her life as easy as possible by raising money for life-changing surgery.
Since 2015, the family has fought for their daughter but also for the wider Wagga community.
They have raised awareness and were instrumental in the development of an inclusive playground, which has been to the benefit of many of the region’s families.
And Wagga has done their part in giving back to the Stewart/Bright family.
For about three years, the family have held barbecues, garage sales, balls, auctions, numerous charity events, all of which have taken monumental amounts of planning.
Each event has been supported by Wagga residents, so much so that the family has reached their $300,000 goal.
It seemed like an impossible task but through a mix of determination and generosity, they’ve achieved it.
It means they can travel to America later next month so Mia can receive treatment not available in Australia.
And while residents have dug deep to part with their cash, they have also received something in return.
Wagga has learned not only about Mia’s extremely rare condition but about the requirements of children with special needs.
Most would not think of how difficult something such as a child playing on a swing set can be for those with a special need or physical disability.
The construction of the Livvy’s Place playground showed just what a difference it can make when we consider the needs of others.
Mia’s mum, Leila Bright, has been forthcoming about Mia’s progress with constant updates on social media pages.
She has given honest interviews and boldly advocated not just for her child, but for many others across the region.
It has taught us that physical impairments should not be an excuse for exclusion but a reason to band together for inclusion.