Horror show all for a cause
WHEN Terri Dale unveils her Halloween spectacular this year, she will do so with a heavy heart for her “bundle of joy” daughter-in-law who was claimed by a “gut-wrenching” fatal disease.
The 52-year-old is hosting her Spooksdale Haunt For Halloween for the fourth year, but this edition means more than any other.
Allana Dale lost her life in June to the extremely rare disease Niemann-pick Type C.
Only 28 people in Australia have Niemann-pick Type C, which gradually shuts down a person’s body until death.
There is no cure or treatment for the fatal disease, with many who are diagnosed as a young child not expected to make it past five years old.
Allana was 28 when it claimed her life in late June.
“I discussed with Allana many times about doing the charity for her condition as the one we donate to,” Ms Dale said.
“I found out after she died that she had raised money when she was a baby for the disease.
“So I thought it was appropriate that when she went out she’d still be raising money for them.”
Ms Dale’s son Cameron married Allana in 2017 after a whirlwind romance. She had been a loved part of the family ever since.
“They had to date for two years
before they could get married, because after a couple of dates they were already talking about it (laughs),” Ms Dale said.
“She lived with us for six and a half years. She was just a bundle of joy. She never complained about anything and she was always happy. “She was just infectious.”
After a long fight with the disease, Ms Dale said Allana rapidly declined in her last two months.
By the end of her battle she couldn’t walk or talk and needed assistance with everything.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Ms Dale said.
“We could have put her in palliative care but she couldn’t sleep without her husband.
“So we turned the house into a hospital so we could support her for her last few months.
“Even her support workers couldn’t keep up with her condition. “It’s truly a terrible disease.
“She knew what was happening to her and couldn’t do anything about it.
“That was the most gut-wrenching part.
“But even in her last week she still found a way to smile.
“There’s just not enough being done for these kids. The odds for families dealing with this right now are just horrendous.”
It’s why Ms Dale decided all funds raised from her famous Spooksdale Haunt For Halloween will go towards the Niemann-pick C Foundation.
The event has attracted more than 3000 people through Ms Dale’s front and backyard in the past, and she’s hoping for a similar turn out this year. With six big displays in a maze-like set up, it’s a not to be missed event for lovers of the spooky and surreal.
Ms Dale is still desperately looking for a donation of sausage sizzle supplies so she can have an added fundraiser on the night.
The event is being held at 4 Starling Crescent, Condon, on October 29-30 from 7pm-11pm.
People can also go through on October 31 from 4-6pm and 7pm-11pm.
Entry is just $2.