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There is a void at Epilepsy
Queensland
.
Our dear friend and member Fred White who has been a much loved and
respected volunteer, author, and fundraiser for Epilepsy
Queensland
for many years, will not be visiting us anymore. We attended his funeral
a short time ago.
Fred developed epilepsy as a child. His life was profoundly affected by
the disorder. He told us of the difficulties and misunderstandings he
had faced as a child living in
Western Queensland
some 70 years ago. When he
was only 12 years old, because of his epilepsy, he was taken from his
mother and sent to an ‘Epileptic Home’. Fred said that place was
like a jail and he didn’t like it at all. His mother was told that
while Fred was there he would be trained in a light trade. However, the
only thing he learnt was how to scrub floors. In his words, “I was
very unhappy there, but we were not allowed to tell our families
anything about what went on in the home, so my mother didn’t know. The
whole time I was there she was only permitted to visit me once.”
In spite of this, Fred had a great ability to be optimistic in
the darkest of times. This is why he was a significant inspiration to
many.
Fred gave us an insight into his goals too. He told us
that he’d been born with the gift of speed. As a result, he had dreams
of becoming a great runner or footballer. This was not to be. In those
days activities such as running and physical sports were not allowed if
you had epilepsy. The other dream that he had was to become a minister
of religion. Again epilepsy thwarted his hopes and goals. However, Fred
always believed that if you can’t get in the front door, there’s
always the side window. This belief helped him to partly achieve this
aspiration. He became a much loved Sunday School teacher at the Anglican
Church at Banyo. This was a position that he took very seriously for
thirty years.
Fred’s schooling was severely interrupted by his
epilepsy. Yet he read widely and wrote many poems. Some, like his
Christmas poem were serious, others like “Cold Showers” humorous.
Some of these were published in national epilepsy journals, as well as
in Epilepsy
Queensland
member newsletter, The Flame. Fred also wrote his story which was featured in our book The
Order of Jack.
Fred was a well-respected and honourable man who always thought of others
before himself, no matter how difficult his own circumstances. Even
after a serious accident when he was hit by a car some years ago, he did
not stop his efforts to help those in the community with epilepsy. He
didn’t marry and lived and died alone in a
Fortitude
Valley
boarding house. His life was difficult but he still thought of others
first.
In his role as volunteer, fundraiser, and friend, Fred would come into
our office regularly, in sweltering heat, pouring rain, or freezing
winds. Despite his increasing frailty, Fred would travel by public
transport and then walk the distance to our office with a heavy tin of
50 cent pieces. These he would donate to our current fundraising appeal.
Each time he would try to make a new record for the highest donation
he’d ever given. His last gift was $125.50. Fred knew how much those
50 cent pieces meant to Epilepsy Queensland.
We looked forward to Fred’s visits where we shared a cuppa and a chat,
birthdays, and Christmas celebrations. We felt privileged to be
considered as part of Fred’s extended family. Over the years Fred saw
Epilepsy
Queensland
grow from a dedicated parents’ group to an essential and highly
effective association providing services and support to thousands of
Queenslanders.
Fred had a clear understanding of what his commitment
meant to those Queenslanders affected by epilepsy. He often spoke of the
vital need for Epilepsy
Queensland
’s
education services and he was a great advocate for our children’s
program. He believed that through this work one day, prejudices and
misunderstandings regarding epilepsy would be eliminated.
In 2002 Fred was presented with a special Epilepsy
Queensland
award at our annual general meeting. This was in recognition for all the
years of his support. Fred was overwhelmed by this tribute. This was
evidenced by the position of honour the trophy had at his funeral.
Fred’s next collection tin sits on the shelf. Waiting.
Empty. This poignant reminder brings a smile to our faces.
We know that Fred won’t ever return to collect that tin, but
our memories of him are those of inspiration, humour, and respect. Fred
will never return to visit us in body, but we do know for certain that
he is watching over us.
In Fred’s honour, Epilepsy
Queensland
would like to dedicate this year’s Tax Appeal to his memory. We urge
you to contribute to our “Fifties for Fred” Tax Appeal. We
are hoping for gifts in multiples of $50 if at all possible. This would
make a significant contribution in support of Fred’s wishes that
Epilepsy Queensland will expand and that through education and
knowledge, the prejudices those with epilepsy encounter, will be
eliminated.
There is an upsurge in the need for our services as the
population grows and news of our work spreads. We must provide programs
and services to cater for this need. More than ever, we need your help
to provide these services.
PS
When
you’re deciding to which charity your tax deductible donation should
go this year, please think of Epilepsy Queensland Inc. The community
needs Epilepsy
Queensland
to continue its work for those affected by epilepsy. It’s as simple as
that.
Epilepsy Queensland Inc:
PO Box 1457,
Coorparoo BC, QLD 4151
Tel: (07) 3435 5000 or 1300 852 853 (outside
Brisbane)
Fax: (07) 3435 5025
Email: give@epilepsyqueensland.com.au
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