Christie Yu was an 18-year-old pharmacy student with a bright future ahead of her when she started feeling unwell. Initially, she thought her fatigue and constant vomiting were due to the stress of balancing university and other commitments. However, when she became extremely sensitive to light, Christie knew something was seriously wrong. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
The diagnosis was a heavy blow, but through the NDIS, Christie was able to access essential support services, including support coordination. Michael He, her dedicated support coordinator, stepped in to help Christie and her mum navigate this challenging new reality.
Michael’s support has been nothing short of transformative for Christie. Over the past two years, he has provided invaluable assistance, helping Christie adjust to life with a disability. His expertise in navigating the NDIS and connecting Christie with the right providers has made a world of difference. Moreover, Michael’s ability to communicate with Christie’s mum in Cantonese has been a great comfort, ensuring that they both feel understood and supported.
In a email, Christie shared:
“Michael He has been my support coordinator for around two years. He has been a wonderful help for me and my mum as I have been adjusting to disability. We have really benefited from his expertise on NDIS and providers. Additionally, my mum is more comfortable with speaking Cantonese and Michael has been very accommodating by speaking with her in Cantonese too. We have been very pleased with Michael and want him to continue as my support coordinator.”
Christie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated support can have on individuals facing significant health challenges. Michael’s commitment to providing culturally sensitive and personalised assistance has been instrumental in helping Christie and her mum navigate this difficult period with greater ease and confidence. His efforts embody the ethos of “It Starts With Heart,” demonstrating the profound difference that care and compassion can make in the lives of those we support.
