Summer Heights High: What are your dreams, hopes and challenges for 2008?

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Danny, 18, plays Toby from the hit ABC TV series Summer Heights High. Danny recently received one of the highest honours in Hobsons Bay, the city's Young Citizens of the Year, in recognition of being a shining and `inspiring’ example to others.

“A student with Down syndrome, Danny is part of the council's Be Yourself program; a recreational-based support program for young people with mild to moderate disabilities,'' Hobsons Bay Mayor Bill Baarini as reported in the Maribyrnong Leader in Wednesday February 6. “Danny's involvement in Summer Heights High is an inspiring example of how anyone can follow their dream, regardless of a disability.'' See http://www.hobsonsbayleader.com.au/article/2008/01/28/28408_wtv_news.html for the complete story.

This inspired some of us from GSNV to share our dreams for the year ahead.

“My hope is that this year will represent another significant step forward to GSNV's vision of "overcoming genetic challenges"...together. We have a fantastic network, great advocates and visionaries. We have an exciting year ahead including an inspiring Awareness Week calendar that encompasses International Day for Human Rights. We are also fortunate to be the current Secretariat for the Australasian Genetic Alliance. These initiatives, along with our existing ones, will help us towards the GSNV vision of "overcoming genetic challenges"...together.

Personal goals... to continue learning guitar and to spend quality time with my grandparents.”

Leah Lonsdale, Coordinator, GSNV.

“May 2008 be a great year, full of challenges and achievements for all! I am looking forward to getting my PhD project up and running - taking a closer look at Klinefelter Syndrome. I’m excited to learn more about GSNV and how we can keep growing and evolving – in particular I can’t wait for the Family Day which I missed last year. And of course every year is a good year for spending time with family and friends.”

Amy Herlihy, NHMRC PhD Scholar, Monash University, Andrology Australia

“My hopes and dreams for 2008 are many. I will finish my move to the adult health care system. For me this is learning the system so that I can work the system to get my needs met. I will also finish 3rd year study in Arts Community Development at Victoria University. I will continue to support and be inspired by the many networks that I am linked with and beyond this it is whatever else the universe offers.”

Vassiliki (Vassie) Dandanis, Turner Syndrome Association Vic

I hope that 2008 will be a year of exciting change for people affected by genetic conditions. With the new Federal Government, I hope we will have the opportunity to get important changes in (1) the way Centrelink deals with families affected by genetic conditions, (2) recognition of, and assistance for, carers of people with genetic conditions, (3) an increased public awareness of the enormous spectrum in genetic conditions, and (4) increased funding for appropriate genetic research.

The Genetic Support Network of Victoria and the Australasian Genetic Alliance has a lot of work to do – I hope we have your support and assistance. Please join the GSNV and support our work!”

Tony Briffa, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group Australia

“Genetics is exciting, up-to-date, developing, and even futuristic. I see one of GSNV’s roles is to deal with the implications of the ‘lived experiences’ for the cutting edge developments as they come out of world of science; and to and ‘keep it real’.

On a personal note, 07 was our best Christmas ever because no one went to hospital for the whole of Christmas and New Year period. Our hopes and wishes are to do it again this year and maybe for Easter as well!”

Marjorie Cresp, Porphyria Association.

“One of my hopes and dreams for 2008 is to make a positive contribution to the improvement of services and supports for people with different abilities, like my son. Another hope and plan is to participate in GSNV events; like the motorcycle event. I’m also hoping to continue to enjoy the thrill of riding my bike to work; for my son to keep up the excellent work in learning how to walk; for my partner to ‘finish’ any one of the unfinished jobs and to find time to enjoy the moment.”

Penny Dodds, GSNV Admin Support.