Star Weekly is looking back at the best stories of last year and this is one of them.
Williamstown’s Sofi Barac and her daughter Natalija participated in Run Melbourne on Sunday, July 16, to raise funds for NextSense, which holds a special place in the family’s hearts.
NextSense is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people with hearing and/or vision loss, one of those families being the Barac.
“My daughter was born with bilateral profound hearing loss which was picked up at her newborn screening test,” she said.
“Natalija began accessing services from NextSense after her official diagnoses at four weeks of age, and had cochlear implant surgery at 10 months, which all helped her reach her full potential.
“Through therapy and support from NextSense, Natalija who turned nine this month, now speaks and hears like her hearing peers.”
A team of 18 participants known as the NextSense Legends ran with Ms Barac and her daughter, raising more than $6000.
“Last year we had a team of nine individuals and raised over $4000, so It’s great to have even more people on board this year to help raise awareness and funds for children with hearing and/or vision loss,” Ms Barac said
“This year held an even greater significance, as we celebrated Natalija’s birthday by having her actively participate in the run and relish in the enjoyment.
“She wholeheartedly embraces the opportunity to contribute towards raising awareness and assisting others.”
According to Ms Barac, Natalija’s hearing loss has never hindered her from reaching her full potential.
“Natalija attends a mainstream primary school alongside her brother, and actively participates in basketball and soccer, as well as being a part of the junior nippers program at the Williamstown Lifesaving Club.
“That’s all thanks to the early intervention and support we received from NextSense.”
Details: runmelbourne23.grassrootz.com/nextsense/natalija-mladenovic
Jennifer Pittorino
