By Kyra Gillespie
Recently co-launching children’s book The Get Well Tree, a young student proves that showing bravery in the most hopeless of circumstances can make dreams come true.
At 16 years of age, Brittany Long’s life was turned upside down by a mysterious virus.
The Berwick teenager was living the ordinary life of a Year 11 student, hanging out with friends, attending her debutante ball and working towards her VCE exams.
But after returning from a family holiday to Port Douglas, everything changed.
“My body decided to shut down,” Brittany said.
“I lost my voice for eight months to the point where I was totally unable to even whisper. I ended up in hospital for six and a half weeks.
“At first I lost all movement in my limbs, now I can move my arms but I haven’t been able to walk since last November.”
Now Brittany is 17 and wheelchair bound and she and her family are yet to find answers to her condition.
“I don’t even know how to describe it. I had my whole life planned out.
“After Year 12 I wanted to study medicine, but I won’t be able to graduate this year.
“It’s like I’m stuck in a nightmare. I’m turning 18 soon and this is supposed to be the time you get your licence and newfound independence. It’s like my life has been put on hold.”
Despite all of the setbacks, Brittany’s illness has opened doors to people and opportunities that she never would have dreamed of before.
After coming into contact with The heART Project around Christmas last year after the organisation visited the hospital, Brittany’s love for photography landed her the title of Australia’s 2017 Young Heart.
The heART Project was founded by Guys Hill resident and award-winning photographer Karen Alsop.
The Young Heart program is designed to help boost the life of a young person who is interested in photography but has not has the opportunity to explore their passion due to personal, medical or financial constraints.
“I have so many incredible people through the project, especially Karen who has welcomed me with open arms and taken me under her wing.”
As this year’s Young Heart, Brittany was one of the contributing photographers in the new children’s book The Get Well Tree, which was officially launched at Monash Children’s Hospital on Monday 2 October.
The Get Well Tree was created to encourage children who are unwell as well as comfort their parents in what can be a stressful time.
“The aim of the book is to bring hope to sick children, to show them that hospitals are not a scary place.
“I’m nearly 18 and my hospital experience is not something I would wish upon anyone.
“It means so much more to be a part of because I know how scary it can be, especially staying overnight for the first few times.”
Being involved in the book has solidified Brittany’s love for photography.
“I love the way that photography can capture a memory that may not be able to be re-created again.”
However, as much as she loves her camera, being ill has motivated her to pursue medicine.
“This experience has made me more determined to get into medicine and help other people.
“I’ve always been an empathetic person, but my experiences in hospital have made me want to give back because I’ve been there and I understand what it’s like.”
As Australia’s Young Heart, Brittany wants every sick child to be able to read The Get Well Tree but, unfortunately, the organisation is facing the challenge of distribution and cost per book.
Turning to the community, a Kickstarter page has been launched to help bring hope through literature and art.
“The more books purchased and donated, the more books we can get printed and into the hands of those that need it most,” she said.
Donations can be made at www.kickstarter.com/projects.
