A Cuppa with Karina McDonald, Cerebral Palsy, Special Needs Care Advocate

My guest on this episode described getting divorced and giving birth to her son Jake, with quadriplegic cerebral palsy as the best things that have happened to her.

Karina McDonald, has an active family of five, She is  a mother to 11-year-old Sienna and Jake 8 and stepmother to 12 year old Jace. 
 
 Jake lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, he in non-verbal, non-mobile, PEG fed, experiences seizures, regular operations, and medical appointments. 

Karina juggles a team of 14 doctors, specialists, therapists, and support workers to manage Jake's needs, as well as works full time and, family and life stuff. 
 
 Karina describes Jake as a cheeky, fun-loving boy who loves socialising and going out and about. 

However, Getting out and experiencing life becomes more difficult as Jake gets older, heavier and his needs become more complex. 

Rather than miss out on these experiences, Karina  co-developed a concept that allows people with disability to get out to events with dignity, hygiene, and respect. Karina also worked with Women's and Children's hospital to change the process for special needs children and family’s management. 

Some of the questions I asked Karina: 

·         You described getting divorced and giving birth to her son Jake, with quadriplegic cerebral palsy as the best things that have happened to you. 

·         When did you find out about Jakes condition and what were the conversations with the doctors and ex husband? 

·         Your in a relationship since the divorce, how did that all transition?  I struggle with my kids let alone someone else’s? 

·         What is PEG fed? 

·         What does a day look like for the family and Jake in particular. How do you find time to work? 

·         How regular are the operations and what are some potentially coming up. 

·         What were some of the glaring shortcomings of the system in relation to Jake? 

·         Tell us about the concept you co-developed and the work you have done with the Womans and Childrens Hospital