Why Terran would move back home on Range
TERRAN Hassall had no choice but to leave Toowoomba.
Diagnosed with MS 10 years ago, the avid fantasy art painter remains fiercely independent but lives more than 120km from his family in the Garden City.
His mother Julia, who was initially his primary carer after Mr Hassall was diagnosed, drives to Brisbane every weekend, and the two continue to share a strong bond.
He’d done all he could to stay at his own home in Stanthorpe where he was living when he was diagnosed.
He had the support of his family and neighbours, and had installed a ramp to his home as he tried to adjust to life in a wheelchair.
Mr Hassall has made MS Queensland’s Granston Lodge his home, but the initial move was not without his own reservations and concerns.
Granston Lodge, in the Brisbane suburb of Dutton Park, helped him retain his dignity, and give him choice and control of his day-to-day life.
He is now earmarked to be one of the first residents at MS Queensland’s new Project Dignity home in Springfield when it opens this month.
But given the choice he would come home to the Range, help cut down his mother’s travel time and the weekly expense, and enjoy closer ties with his family.
“Having that opportunity to see his mum more regularly would be amazing for him,” Granston Lodge residential co-ordinator Anna Power said.
Mr Hassall can no longer move his arms to pick up a paint brush as the MS progresses.
“My inspiration is not as strong as it used to be when I was free and able to do things quickly,” Mr Hassall said.
He remains as independent as he can be, and the new highneeds facility will let him live with choice and control of his life as best as the disease allows.
The Springfield unit will be slightly closer for his family and there’s the hope closing the geographic gap will also bridge the distance between some family and friends.