DOCUMENT

16 | THE REVIEW SEP–DEC 2022 Lucky to have each other Cerebral Palsy Societymember Ella Grant and her support person Donna Clark have an unmistakable bond that spans more than 20 years. Here, with the help of her mum Lorraine Wiersma, Ella shares her story of doing life with Donna. By ELLA GRANT My name is Ella Grant, I’m 24 and I live at home with my parents and little sister in Otautahi, Christchurch. I’ve always had support people in my life, I have Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia. I need help with everything I do. Getting up in the morning, getting dressed, eating, etc. All those everyday things everyone has to do. That’s personal stuff, and it’s challenging sometimes having someone assist you with these things. But even more challenging is having someone speak for you. I don’t communicate verbally and I can’t use a machine or technology to communicate either. What I do have is whānau and support workers that have known me all my life, that have been with me as I grow and change, that see ME! One of those people is Donna (aka Donz). I met Donna when I was about a year old. She’s been Above: Ella and Donna experienced high school, including prom, together.