Terri from Kandos

Terri is a true success story. But without the treatment and support she achieved from Royal Far West, Terri would not be where she is today. There are so many more children just like Terri who need the specialist health services that Royal Far West can provide.

When Terri Doorey turned 21 she celebrated in style like any young girl – with a big party at home, surrounded by 60 of her closest friends and family to help share the moment. For her Grandmother Jean though, it was an extra special day because Terri has achieved what Jean and those closest to Terri, were told was the ‘impossible’.

When Terri was 18 months old it was discovered that she had some material missing from her 18th chromosome. She was subsequently diagnosed with a range of developmental delays. Everything that we take for granted – crawling, talking, walking – she had to be taught.

By the age of two, Terri had already undergone several operations at the then Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Camperdown. Not long afterwards, Terri was referred to Royal Far West and she continued her visits for the next 16 years. During this time she had access to all the health professionals she needed, including psychiatrists, speech and occupational therapists, orthodontists, social workers, physiotherapists and orthoptists – all of whom worked together to teach Terri vital life skills and improve her overall quality of life.

From the age of six Terri was able to attend mainstream school in her home-town of Kandos. She graduated high school with her peers and has since gone on to study a number of courses including business computing, waitressing, animal studies and beauty therapy. No-one is more proud than her Grandmother Jean, who raised her from a baby.

‘When Terri was first diagnosed, we were told there was nothing we could do for her. But Terri is so determined – nothing was ever going to beat her! And now, no-one would even know she had a disability. I am very proud of her – she’s a good kid’.