Amanda Young Foundation facts for kids
The Amanda Young Foundation was started in 1998 by Barry and Lorraine Young. They created it after their daughter, Amanda, sadly passed away in 1997 from a serious illness called meningococcal disease. Amanda became sick while she was at a rowing competition in Penrith, New South Wales.
About Amanda Young
Amanda Young was born on September 6, 1979. She died on October 12, 1997, after getting meningococcal disease. This happened when she was in Penrith, New South Wales, for a rowing event. She was part of a rowing team at the Australian University Rowing Championships.
Around that time, there had been some cases of meningococcal disease at the Kensington Colleges. Many people who might have been near someone with the illness were given vaccinations and medicine to help prevent it. Amanda was not in this group because it was thought she hadn't been in contact. After Amanda's death, the NSW Health Department made sure everyone at the Kensington Colleges was vaccinated. Later, more students at Chevalier College were also vaccinated because of another outbreak.
The Foundation's Work
The Amanda Young Foundation was set up in 1998. Its main goals are to:
- Help people learn more about meningococcal disease.
- Support those who have survived the disease.
- Encourage research to find ways to stop meningococcal disease completely.
- Help young people become leaders in their communities.
- Promote public health.
Kate Fandry, who was a friend of Amanda's from Penrhos College, now works for the Foundation. She helps tell teenagers and young adults about the ACWY vaccination. This vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease.
The Foundation gets its money from many different fundraising events. Community groups across Perth also help out. These events include open gardens, school fairs (called fetes), and other fun activities. For example, in 2016, a group of volunteers crocheted a big wall of yellow flowers to show during the Channel Seven Perth Telethon.
Amanda's Garden
Amanda's Garden is a special place located in Southern River, Western Australia. Amanda's parents created this garden. It was a way for them to keep busy and remember Amanda after she passed away.
Every October, there is an annual fete and open day at the garden. Local community groups help with this event. All the money raised goes to support the Amanda Young Foundation.
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The entrance to Amanda's Garden in Southern River.
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A beautiful "Amanda Rose" flower.
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Many "Amanda Rose" flowers growing together.
