Edward Cheesman’s big effort for Make-a-Wish Foundation

Edward Cheesman lives with Quadriplegic Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy but that’s not going to stop him doing his best to give back to a group that gave so much to him.

Edward Cheesman who has quadriplegic choreoathetoid cerebral palsy, with physio Adam Lidiard. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Edward Cheesman lives with Quadriplegic Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy and has spent the past three years training hard to run in this year’s Lumary City-Bay Fun-Run for the first time to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Australia.

Mr Cheesman’s childhood sporting dream to attend the Superbowl and an NBA game was made a reality by the foundation when he was fifteen years old.

Now, 13 years later, Mr Cheesman hopes to return the favour by raising funds to help other children with illnesses live out their own dreams.

The once-in-a-lifetime trip was “ fun, incredible and crazy” he said, which is what inspired him to fundraise.

The idea to do the City-Bay “came up as a challenge” before Covid said Mr Cheesman’s dad, Kevin, 60.

Live stream: Watch every finisher cross the line in annual City-Bay Fun Run

“Ed didn’t hesitate, his first choice was Make-A-Wish so that he can help them help another kid like him to live out their dream,” he said.

The 28-year-old from Mawson Lakes, has been training with his allied health team at MPOT and Access Fitness and is set to run 3km using his Rifton Pacer Gait Trainer.

“Ed’s been training so hard he’s gotten blisters, it’s taken such a long journey to get here and we’re so proud,” he said.

On Thursday, Mr Cheesman was “relieved” to complete his last training session before the big day and looking forward to giving it his best on Sunday.

Mr Cheesman is hoping to raise $3000 for the charity but hopes to raise more to help “as many kids as possible.”

“A person who donates to Make-A-Wish is giving kids a memory to hold for the rest of their lives,” said Kevin.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

‘I promised Lily’: Annaliese’s huge effort for late friend

By Evangeline Polymeneas

Terminally ill Annaliese Holland is set to walk the City to Bay on Sunday despite her spine being bent 130 degrees.

The 23-year-old is scheduled for a high-risk surgery days later on Thursday to correct the scoliosis that’s been caused by the treatment she receives for her terminal illness called auto-immune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG).

“My back is starting to squash my lungs … I can’t really catch my breath,” Annaliese, who also has osteoporosis, said.

“The pain … I am screaming in the early hours of the morning … it’s just so hurtful all you can do is scream, it is horrific.”

Doctors said if Annaliese does not have the surgery within three months, her spine would be inoperable and would bend until her lungs and heart were crushed.

But she is still walking.

Annaliese Holland, who was diagnosed with auto-immune autonomic ganglionopathy. Pictures: Supplied

Annaliese Holland is undergoing spinal cord surgery to repair her spine which is bent 130 degrees. Picture: Supplied

She’s walking 3km not only to raise awareness and funds for the Hospital Research Foundation but also because she made a pinky promise to her best friend Lily she would create a legacy for her.

Lily Thai was just 23 years old when she died by voluntary assisted dying after a struggle with AAG herself on June 21 this year.

Annaliese and Lily connected through their mutual health diagnosis, so much so, Annaliese was ask to be one of only six people allowed to be in the room when Lily was administered the IV medication that terminated her life within 10 seconds.

“I never thought about it before and watching it happen … it was very peaceful, very, very, very peaceful,” Annaliese said.

“Having a similar illness, it’s good to know that’s always there and it is legal now.

“It’s such a nice way to go when you’re ready and you don’t have to deteriorate.”

Annaliese’s mum Armanda said those with AAG tend to “starve to death”.

“My disease, the cruellest part about it, is when you loss your nutrition line you basically pass away from malnutrition,” Annaliese said.

“That is a very, very long, slow, prolonged, horrible suffering.”

Lily Thai in June 2017. Picture: Supplied.

Lily Thai, 23, at Laurel Hospice with friend Annaliese Holland. Picture: Supplied

Lily Thai, 23, receiving medical treatment in 2022. Picture: Supplied.

The 23-year-old will be pinning a lily to her outfit in memory of her friend who she longs to text when times are tough.

“When I watched her … when it (Lily’ death) was happening, what is horrible is … she’s the same age as me, she has the same illness as me, she was lying in a bed I’ve been in before in the hospice so it was quite confronting for me,” Annaliese said.

“I promised Lil that I will make sure people knew what she went through and what we’re going through.”

Annaliese took part in the City to Bay last year and managed to raise funds for three reclining chairs for the Laurel Hospice where she has stayed.

The 23-year-old said she will push through the walk as a way of thanking the incredible medical professionals who have put their lives on hold to care for her and to create a legacy for her best friend.