"Watch Out World, Here I Come!"
Eloise is incredibly strong, fiercely determined, with a personality that people are drawn to. Eloise leaves an impact on everyone she meets without even knowing it. 12 year-old Eloise is a competitive, bright girl who loves to take on new adventures. Eloise enjoys tap and ballet dancing, loves playing hockey and enjoys running where she has participated in state-level competition in long-distance runs.
Eloise is living with an acquired brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy, vision impairment, epilepsy and a mild intellectual disability.
“As these all have their subcategories, it does affect her in different ways. For example, she does get neuropathic pain sometimes or weakness in her body. Even though her lower body was strong, the pedals were still too hard for her to push.”
“Seeing Eloise on the bike, I was in tears. She was so excited and didn’t want to get off. She kept yelling out, “Look, I can finally ride a bike mum! I can do it. Watch out world, here I come!” She knew from there how certain she was that she wanted this bike. She was ready to take on the world!”
What a year it has been!
Eloise has traded her hockey stick, ballet slippers and tutu, for track outfits and running shoes. Setting her goals firmly on becoming a Paralympian in running- 2032 Brisbane games. Eloise's biggest challenge this past year has been the return of her seizures and the increased muscle fatigue that is a result of her rapid growth. Eloise's modified bike has continued to support her goal to ride like her friends, while supporting what her body needs right now.
Eloise has become an extraordinary advocate for herself and for people living with a disability. Living by her mantra "okay, let's do it" for every opportunity presented to her. From surveys for better community inclusion, studies and research to further support and to identify needs of not only herself, but others living with disabilities, and share her story.Eloise uses her voice to advocate, and advocate LOUD.
Eloise says,"I really liked riding and walking. Raising money for other people just like me. I was so excited by how far I cycled and walked. It made me so happy to see the amount of money we raised. I wear my Freedom Wheels TAD shirt on all my walks and rides and to all my physio sessions. I really like telling everyone about Freedom Wheels TAD. I want to be someone who says "hey, why not?" Because everyone should be included. In. EVERYTHING"
Seeing Eloise on the bike, I was in tears. She was so excited and didn’t want to get off. She kept yelling out, “Look, I can finally ride a bike mum! I can do it. Watch out world, here I come!” She knew from there how certain she was that she wanted this bike. She was ready to take on the world!
