Emily Carabetta is a little girl with a very big heart. And she was the centre of attention this week as the Port Adelaide Football Club joined Adelaide’s Italian community in providing support for her brave battle.
Four year-old Emily was born five-weeks premature with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, a rare and complex condition resulting in severe under-development of cranio-facial features.
Emily required life support for her first three years because her she was unable to breathe or eat through her mouth. With their family bond keeping them strong, Mum Rose, Dad Frank and older brother Max faced the challenges alongside their daughter and little sister.
That was until Adelaide’s world renowned Australian Craniofacial Unit emerged as Emily’s hope of a normal life. Her treatment began with surgery to extend her lower jaw, allowing her to eat and breathe without assistance. She was also finally able to make her first noises which led to an acceleration of her learning.
But she still faces a long road of treatment as her body develops and the family will continue to travel from the family’s home in Sydney to Adelaide.
To support the Carabetta family’s ongoing needs, the Calabrese Benevolent Association of SA - with the support of the Port Adelaide Football Club - staged a fund-raising dinner in June which raised $45,000.
This week - in a function at La Vita Café Restaurant on Grange Road - we joined together to present an overwhelmed family with their donation.
Port Adelaide President Brett Duncanson spoke of the pride the Club had in supporting Emily and her family, and how their commitment and strength provided a source of inspiration.
The cheque was presented by Nick Fazzalari of the Calabrase Benevolent Association, with Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Portolesi commending the community for its work.
Emily and her family were in Adelaide for continuing assessment by medical staff at the Australian Craniofacial Unit. Frank and Rose expressed their gratitude to the association, the club and those who are helping Emily with her journey.
Port Adelaide is staging another Italian Night with support of the Calabrase Benevolent Association. It will be held at Donato's Function Centre, 62 Humphries Tce, Kilkenny on Wednesday 16 May. Tickets are $125 and include a four-course feast, premium drinks and live entertainment including an appearance by nationally-acclaimed comedian Joe Avati.
Port Adelaide is sharing the proceeds with Emily to assist with her future surgery.
To book, call the Port Adelaide Football Club on 1300 Go PAFC or click here.
