Having someone's back

A few years ago I had the enormous privilege to meet and work with a woman who has since become one of my dearest friends. Dan' and I worked very closely together in leadership roles on an issue we felt was of great import to the 350,000+ residents of the local communities, and along the way we supported each other, rallied political, business and community support, were interviewed numerous times, presented together, negotiated outcomes, lost a few battles and won a figurative war.

Along the way we became as I mentioned dear friends, and as we did so we introduced each other to our respective families. Both of Dan's daughters impressed me enormously, particularly her eldest - Tahlia. If you were looking for proof positive that the future of our world is in good hands, and that the next generation of people will work hard, create richly, make change and care deeply about others then look no further than Tahlia.

Tahlia graduated High School at the end of 2015 at the top of her class. In the two years since she has smashed through a three year music production degree and graduated from that, again with honours. Before Christmas 2017 Tahlia was accepted as an intern to a music production studio in Sydney that is considered to be THE PLACE in Australia, having produced music for luminaries including McCartney.

Tahlia's bright future however is at serious risk due to degenerative scoliosis of the spine which is severe and is accelerating. The serious pain this causes has already caused her to give up her goal of playing percussion professionally (or even for fun), and at risk in the foreseeable future is her newly minted internship, career and basically her mobility.

Tahlia urgently needs a special back brace to arrest the decline, which is not available from Australian medicos, not covered by Australia's national medical system, and not covered by medical insurance.

It is not often that I post on LinkedIn and ask any of my professional contacts for anything back. Today though I am asking, as we're trying to raise money to help fund the cost of the back brace that will allow Tahlia to reach her potential. LinkedIn is all about professional networking - today you have a chance to help make someone who has worked incredibly hard, with passion and flair be incredibly successful.

We have so many problems to solve and so many people to help and in many ways Tahlia is (like me) a very fortunate person. She lives in a safe place, in loving family, has had access to a good education and has worked very hard to take all advantage of the opportunities all that has provided her. Personally I get the feeling that given the chance her star will shine very brightly and that one day we will be listening to some amazing riffs and beats by a big name musician and Tahlia will be the producing legend behind it all. It is a privilege to be here at the beginning and I want to do all I can to make sure the dream comes true.

Tahlia's gofundme page is here. Raising AU$6000.00 will pay for the brace, fitting, and associated scans, checkups and medical consultation. An extra AU$2000.00 will pay for the re-hab. If you can help in any way large or small please do so.

If you ever need someone to have your back that's what I'm here for. Today I have Tahlia's.

Thank you.