Unsung Heroes of the Illawarra: At home with the Sharps

This month in Unsung Heroes I visited the home of Mark and Narelle Sharp to see first-hand how they look after their 32-year-old daughter Tegan.

Narelle was diagnosed with the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy which caused a lack of oxygen to Tegan’s brain before birth. Also, during the birth, the umbilical cord twice wrapped around Tegan’s neck, which led to complications and two weeks in special care. Mark and Narelle were then told that Tegan would never walk or talk and she would require 24/7 care. Putting Tegan into a full-time institution was never part of Mark and Narelle’s plan.

Rather than feel sorry for themselves, the couple decided to provide Tegan with the best life they could. Their mantra is: “Let’s just get on with it.”

Tegan has been confined to a wheelchair all of her life – but that’s just one of the hundreds of trials she and her family has faced. When she was 12 Tegan suffered severe burns in the shower. Three years ago, she suffered a massive stroke and was only given a 5 percent chance of survival.

She has suffered numerous seizures, endured countless surgeries (including metal rods inserted into her back), and she has to be constantly medicated.

Tegan’s body ages quicker than the average person, which means her life expectancy is shorter than average as well. Feeding is also a challenge as she is now on a type of drip-feed into her stomach.

What stood out during our chat was the positivity Mark and Narelle displayed. We spoke about the couple’s two younger boys, Mitch and Nelson. While being ‘tested’ thousands of times during their lives, Mark and Narelle have always made sure the boys have lived a normal life – and the love and affection these boys show their sister is truly amazing.

The Sharps have never hidden Tegan away from the world: she’s a regular at all social and family occasions, the boys’ sporting events, and after-match functions.

In the past friends and family have organised fund-raisers to raise thousands of dollars that had gone directly into the care for Tegan. The family has been constantly amazed and so thankful with the local community’s generosity.

NDIS now helps to fund Tegan’s care and the Sharp family is grateful for the support provided. Carers help with daily tasks and Tegan attends Greenacres during the week; Narelle has high praise for the work Greenacres carers and staff do.

The strain has put immense pressure on the couple’s relationship but the strength they draw from each other is incredible.

For the Sharp family – and so many others who care for family with disabilities – we raise our glass to you as you are all unsung heroes.