UsherKids Australia – a network set up to support the families of children diagnosed with Usher Syndrome – has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Research Australia Awards.
Usher syndrome is a genetic condition characterised by hearing loss or deafness, the progressive loss of vision from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and in some cases, vestibular dysfunction.
UsherKids Australia co-founder Emily Shepard said being nominated as a finalist was significant, because it acknowledges the organisation’s work in combining advocacy, family support, and research despite having a very small team.
Ms Shepard said the award nomination is important because it validates the organisation’s research work – conducted in collaboration with the University of Melbourne; advocacy; raises the profile of Usher syndrome within the research community; and may help attract philanthropic funding – ultimately improving the sustainability of its support program for families living with Usher syndrome.
We are small but mighty and getting the recognition as well from our research colleagues is huge
“I’m very proud of what we are able to do. We are small but mighty and getting the recognition as well from our research colleagues is huge.”
UsherKids Australia is nominated for the AbbVie Advocacy and Philanthropy Award, against Anne McKenszie AM and Belinda Frank from the Kids Research Institute Australia, Amy Ruffle from The Shake It Up Show, and the Neil and Norma Hill Foundation.
The winner will be announced in Sydney on 20 August.
For information on UsherKids Australia visit: usherkidsaustralia.com
