Barham family Ray and Lisa Hazen are coming to terms with their 14 year old daughter, Kasey, facing an unknown future. 

Her father, Ray said that at the beginning of Kasey’s latest episode, she started off with a feeling or disjointedness in the morning and by the time they had her at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne she was having difficulty talking and communicating.

“[Eventually] she knew nothing including us, she could no longer walk or talk and was very confused.” Ray said.

Ray and Lisa now have Kasey back at home in Barham where she is a year nine student, and find themselves as her full-time carers trying to deal with the reality of her undiagnosed, but serious illness.

One week before the latest set of symptoms in Kasey’s illness began, Ray was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM).

For many years the Hazen family has been heavily involved in community radio, (see earlier story) giving opportunities to so many people and opening the horizons for those in rural communities. The family live on a pension.

As much loved and valued members of their community radio staion, an appeal has been set up by long-time friends and colleagues, Rod Boyd (General Manager of Stereo 974) and Graeme Macartney.

Macartney said the appeal has kicked off quite well with in excess of $1000 already pledged.

“Kasey’s school mates have jumped in behind the appeal and are organising a number of fund raisers in the town and also doing some practical things. We need every one to get right behind this appeal as it is going to be a long hard battle.” Mr. Macartney said.

Donations can be made by Direct Debit to WESTERN RADIO BROADCASTERS INC. BSB 083-215 ACCOUNT NUMBER 689078640.

Please forward an email to [email protected] with details of donations:

Cheques made payable: STEREO 974. POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 5406, CAIRNLEA, VIC 3023