Help the Burns Family

My name is Lauren Fearnley, I am Naomi's cousin and have set up this fundraiser on behalf of Naomi & Mat Burns and their two boys. We would love to see them get the important home modifications they are seeking which will significantly improve Mat's quality of life as well as his ability to be the best Dad & Husband he can be.

Thanks in advance for reading their story and helping in any way you can.

*********************************

In July 2017 Mat suffered a large brain bleed leaving him unable to speak for over 3 weeks. At the time his wife Naomi was a stay at home mum to their 2 boys who were 18 months and 3 years old.

The last 6 years have brought: brain surgery, countless hours of therapy, countless hours dealing with bureaucracy, an interstate move and the completion of a masters degree (Naomi). Through all this Mat has suffered debilitating fatigue which has hampered his recovery and left him unlikely to ever work again. This fatigue is triggered by sensory and cognitive overload (noise/light sensitivity).

The family were so excited to have the opportunity to build their own house, purpose built to control the sound/lights to help manage Mat’s fatigue. This will not only see a huge improvement in Mat’s overall energy levels and in his communication, it will also allow him to complete basic activities such as bathing the kids and cooking dinner.

Unfortunately the NDIS do not understand cognitive and communication disability and have not approved the funding for the requested modifications.

Due to rising interest rates and building costs, the buffer Mat and Naomi have built into their budget to self fund the items is no longer there. The NDIS has cause so many delays and dragged the process out so much that they now need the funds as soon as possible to be able to include these items in the build, which is now almost at enclosure stage. Mat and Naomi have the option to take the NDIS to a hearing but have been informed that an outcome could take up to 2 years. Whether they pursue this option or not, the funds are required now and so they are seeking assistance to fund these life-changing modifications.

Funds totalling $16,083 will cover:

• Modified lighting - to allowing for dimming of light and reduction of the LED flicker that occurs.

• Silent range hood, dishwasher and bathroom fans so Mat can cook and shower without extreme fatigue.

• Acoustic panelling and insulation so the kids can just be kids without negatively impacting Mat’s function

• Sound proof doors for 1 room in the house to allow Mat a ‘safe’ room he can go to, to recover when things get too much.

Thank you for any help you can provide!

*Should Mat and Naomi proceed to tribunal and retrospectively receive the funds, they may not be able to refund any funds provided through this platform. Know that any funds donated will go towards funding a house that will enable Mat to live life with reduced fatigue and increased capacity as a dad and a husband.