BOY’S SACRIFICE FOR FAMILY
PREPARING meals and giving medicine to his mum and older brother has become the new daily routine for 13-year-old Kenny Davis, who had to drop out of school for almost a year to step up at home and care for his family.
Early last year, Kenny’s brother RJ Davis, 15, was diagnosed with viral meningitis and experienced dizziness and vertigo to the point he could not get out of bed.
The doctors told the Davis family that Kenny could not go to school with Covid-19 transmission rife in the community as it would be too risky for his brother.
Now back to mainstream schooling, Kenny still continues to care for RJ and his mother Shelly who suffers from arthritis, brought on by a car accident when she was 19, that has spread through her body.
“It scared me to see my brother that sick, to watch him struggle to get up, so I was always helping him with that,” Kenny said.
“I lost some of my time that I used to play video games, but then I turned into what I am now … It helps me know that my family is safe and healthy.”
Ms Davis said that when she had a bad day with her arthritis and her mobility was affected, she also turned to her young son.
“I’m extremely proud of Kenny … I’ve tried to raise all my kids to be mature and respectful but Kenny just hit it out of the ballpark.”
This week is National Carers Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the 2.65 million Australians like Kenny who provide care and support to a family member or friend.
Tammy Conway from Wellways Carer Gateway, which supports carers through social events and counselling, said there had been a spike in demand since the program’s inception in 2020.