Recently, Margaret Mironov was nominated and awarded a Paul Harris Fellow- the award came from a donation made from the Mironovs in appreciation for an apparatus sourced from the Rotary Club of Belconnen member Fred Fawke.
Firstly - for those of you that are unfamiliar with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award and RETT Syndrome let me update you.
Paul Harris Fellow
Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to support the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. Paul Harris Fellows recipients receive a certificate and pin.
RETT Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily. The hallmark of Rett syndrome is near constant repetitive hand movements. Rett syndrome is usually recognized in children between 6 to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained. A child with RETT will require assistance with most aspects of daily living and care. There are currently 200 (approx.) cases of RETT in Australia.
The Mironovs
Meet Margaret and Nick Mironov. Nick is a long standing member of the Rotary Club of Yass, Nick has assisted in many fund raising efforts and as the club’s Welfare Officer he tries to support his fellow members - you could say Nick is very committed at all aspects of being a Rotarian.
The Mironovs’ granddaughter Sofia, diagnosed with RETT Syndrome, is now 6 years of age and totally dependent for all her needs. As Sofia grows she is becoming increasingly heavier, to a point that even a two person lift has become difficult, necessitating the use of a disability hoist to assist in moving her.
Fred Fawke from the Belconnen Rotary Club, who redirects used medical/ mobility equipment to those in the general community, just happened to have a mobility hoist which he kindly donated to the Mironov family.
In appreciation on receipt of the hoist, Margaret and Nick Mironov generously donated to the Rotary Foundation, the substantial contribution qualified Nick for a PHF nomination.
Nick had no hesitation in awarding the Paul Harris Fellow to his wife Margaret.
“In recognition of all the selfless help that my wife Margaret has shown all our children and every one she comes in contact with.”
Congratulations to Margaret- a small recognition for such an enormous role- mother, grandmother, carer, supporter. The emotional weight and challenges that are presented, the endless support, the sadness, the joy, the pride in your family, the continuous encouragement, confidence and devotion is immeasurable. A very deserving recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow.