One observation has always stayed with Dr Maria Kailis – the devastating impact Huntington’s disease (HD) has on families across generations, including children.
Brightwater has a long history of supporting people, and their families, with Huntington’s disease and is building a purpose-built home for the people they care for in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Dr Kailis – a well-known Perth GP, and Brightwater Board Director since 2017 – has thrown her support behind the project, by sponsoring one of the houses.
Dr Kailis urged the Western Australian business community to follow suit and dig deep for the building appeal. As there are still buildings available for sponsorship, at $50,000 per house.
“Please join me in supporting this incredibly worthy cause,” she said. “Your generosity will help Brightwater fulfil its vision to develop a home like no other and will assist the Huntington’s community for many years to come.”
Brightwater Chief Executive Officer Catherine Stoddart thanked Dr Kailis for her continued support of the Huntington’s community, and Brightwater’s innovative Piara Waters campus.
“We wholeheartedly thank Maria for supporting this important fundraising campaign which is empowering people with Huntington’s to age with dignity,” Ms Stoddart said.
“By sponsoring a house, her donation will be put towards the planned ancillary facilities and services at the new Huntington’s Campus. These include assistive technology to create living environments which support clients to feel safe and high needs functional furniture and fittings which have been purchased for the specific needs of people with Huntington’s Disease.”
Brightwater currently provides support for people living with Huntington’s disease at Kailis House in Belmont, for people in early stages of the disease, and Ellison House in Carlisle, for people in later stages of the disease, Ms Stoddart said.
“Whilst these supported independent living sites have been wonderful for the clients who have called them home, we now have an opportunity to use our learnings and the input of people with Huntington’s disease, and their families, to create a new home that is purpose-built to suit their needs,” she said.
Construction of the Piara Waters campus started in April 2023 and should be completed in early 2024.
“The campus will provide accommodation for 21 clients over seven homes,” Ms Stoddart said. “Each home will be certified as a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high needs.
“Specialist assistive equipment, leading-edge technology and a sensory garden with zones for living, relaxing, engaging and socialising will also be incorporated.”
The additional design and care innovations will cost an estimated $2.5m and are vital if Brightwater is to achieve its goal of providing world-class care to those who deserve it most.
To support the building appeal, please visit brightwatergroup.com/support-us/donate/
All donations over $2 are tax deductable.
