Jackson is on his way to a familiar appointment. It’s physio today. Tomorrow it’s OT. The day after that is speech therapy.
But today, Jackson is working on getting one foot in front of the other. Most people diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy use exercises like this to improve their independence; Jackson is using them to train for his debut as a Paralympian.

I wear a few hats: son, advocate, music theatre enthusiast, Co-CEO. But one label that has shaped who I am today is foster brother. Foster care has a special place in my life, having had my foster sister, Joanne, live with my family for three of my formative years.

This Christmas, we will have twice as many children in our care. Can you support us with a gift today and help ensure every child gets the opportunities they need to thrive?

I am so passionate about this unique and necessary work that’s changing the lives of children in Western Australia. And today, I’m glad to have the opportunity to share the story of one of these children with you.

From a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy to living every day as an adventure, Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that determination, joy — and a little support along the way — can get you anywhere.

Now almost a teenager, Jackson has been in foster care with Uniting WA since he was six months old. With other diagnoses including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism and global development delay, he tackles every challenge with unwavering resolve and a smile that lights up the room.

“He has so many challenges, I’ve never met a child with more challenges, but he is pure guts and determination. Everything is his favourite, and his life is adventure.” – Ava, Jackson’s case worker.

Jackson lives with long-time foster carers, Hamish and Natasha, who have been members of the Uniting family for over 20 years. They have supported 5 children during that time.

“I’ve done a lot of interesting things in my work life, but this is more rewarding everyday than all of those things put together. Jackson is a very talented fellow; he likes to do everything at 100 miles an hour.” – Hamish, Jackson’s foster carer.

True to form, Jackson competed in the National Disability Games for swimming in 2022, I first met Jackson and Hamish at a Special Olympics event where he was an ambassador. I can only describe him as a force of nature.

Jackson’s sporting ambition doesn’t end there.
He recently began to prepare for his debut as a Paralympian sprinter, after being accepted into the WA Institute of Sport. Day in and day out, Jackson’s determination powers him forward, despite his challenges.

One of Jackson’s interests, musical theatre, is also a shared passion of mine. After having the opportunity to enjoy a performance of Grease on stage, Jackson has joined a children’s choir ready to share his talents with the world (or at least with WA, for now).

Whether it be through sport, musicals, or both, I look forward to witnessing Jackson’s impact on the world. And now you’ll know his journey when his name is in lights.

Our foster care service is a little bit different.

Like most foster care services, Uniting WA’s carers step in to provide a safe and nurturing home when children can’t stay with their biological families. Unlike some other services, the children in our care have more complex support needs due to illness, disability and trauma.

We call this service Specialised Foster Care.

Just like Jackson, we want to see every child reach their full potential – and with the support of a caring community – we can help them thrive.

Not every child in foster care has the same journey.

Jackson’s journey includes a wholehearted commitment to regular physio, OT and speech therapy. Some children need mobility aids or devices to help them with daily activities that many of us take for granted, while others need more emotional support due to trauma they have experienced.

Every single journey is important to us, and I know it is to you too. Like Jackson, every child in our care has their own goals and aspirations that, with the right support, are within reach.

While I’m always glad to share stories like Jackson’s, the reality is, this Christmas, we will have twice as many children in our care. This means we need your support now more than ever.

I want to invite you to unite with us this Christmas and be a part of the journey for children like Jackson.

A gift of $25 allows us to create more opportunities for new life experiences like holidays, while a special gift of $100 can help us prepare homes for children coming into care for the first time.

I believe we could all benefit from approaching life a little more like Jackson — with determination and joy in equal measure — and I look forward to sharing more stories like his, thanks to your support.

Wishing you a safe Christmas surrounded by friends and family.