Sharny's world is now bigger
Sharny's 2022 wish inspired mum Tina to buy a caravan and now the 11-year-old is travelling Australia.
No to snow, but yes to caravan
From famous donuts to a cheese factory to hidden creeks ideal for swimming, Sharny’s world has become bigger since her wish.
Sharny’s 2022 wish to visit the snow – and go ice skiing – expanded the then 9-year-old’s horizons.
Once her skis were off for the final time, she asked her mum Tina when they could return to the snow.
Tina considered if she could replicate Sharny’s wish trip to Mount Hotham and the answer was no.
So, instead, Tina bought a 4WD and caravan so her, Sharny and Tina’s other child Mahdi could go on a permanent holiday.
The wish started the conversation of ‘what are we going to do next’. It changed our lives
Tina, Sharny's mum
Half a heart but Sharny's leading a full life
Sharny was born with a range of complicated heart defects and had three open heart surgeries by the age of 5. In simple terms, she has half a heart.
“She's been given a raw deal, but I've always joked that she's so kind and generous that she kinda didn't need the whole heart,’’ Tina said.
Sharny’s medical condition and uncertain life expectancy has always been at the back of Tina’s mind.
It took Sharny’s wish to help change the course of her family’s lives.
“The wish started the conversation of ‘what are we going to do next’,” Tina said.
“It changed our lives. We would never of had that conversation if we had not of been at the snow and having fun.
“I would have kept working three jobs and Sharny would have keep dealing with her challenges at school and we would not have bought a caravan.
“The wish definitely inspired what came next.”
Cats, creek beds and cheese
Sharny and her family have travelled around Queensland for almost two years.
“We have discovered local swimming holes, little creeks that you can go swimming in, and Sharny really likes swimming,” Tina said.
“We have loved visiting different townships, we have found famous donuts and a cheese factory.”
Tina’s 4WD unfortunately required mechanical repairs which forced their travelling to stop temporarily.
“The thing to come from having to stay put for a bit has just been doing a lot of house and pet sitting,” Tina said.
“We had 10 cats at one place to look after.”
Tina said Sharny wants to see Sydney, while a return to Mount Hotham was on the cards.
“We could take the caravan to the bottom of the hill, and we could maybe go up for a day and get the day passes,” Tina said.
“We could at least go back a day or two and do it again and it would be like a full circle moment.”
At first people thought I was mad (for packing up and traveling the country indefinitely) but then I explain that Sharny’s life expectancy is around 35 years old, and it clicks for them. It’s my job to not only protect her but show her how beautiful and wonderous life is. How amazing the world is – so I will.
Tina, Sharny's mum
