Behind HHLC is Lavinia Valu, a Tongan-Australian nurse who after her son was diagnosed with cancer at 15, turned her attention to becoming a registered nurse and carer for him. He was the inspiration behind her wanting to become a nurse.
In the 18 months she spent caring for Charlie in the Royal Children’s Hospital, she felt the pain of every mother in a similar experience. She also saw how the children with terminal illness fought to be brave under very difficult situations, nurses doing the best under stress, and carers juggling without enough rest.
The cancer eventually went into remission, giving Charlie back his life, and independence, but they never forgot the experience of helplessness, anxiety and loss they faced.
In 2020, Lavinia partnered with Charlie to start HHLC. It was a service found on helping members of our community, living with disability, and their families, receive care.
Ms Valu said “it is our way of helping clients in our community…to receive quality support at home and to deal with the common challenges of living with a disability,” she said.
Lavinia is a mother of four, doting grandmama, compassionate friend and caring listener. She is a final year Nursing university student with a particular emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. She enjoys dancing, cooking and gardening. She loves exploring natural parks, reserves and shops with her clients.