Karts off and racing

Fifteen-year-old Tegan Sharp gets a kiss from doting brother Mitchell, 11, and a cuddle from youngest brother Nelson, 5.

SURGEONS will break Tegan Sharp's ribs and deflate both of her lungs as part of a high-risk operation to insert two steel rods near her spine to help to straighten the 15-year-old crippled young body.

It is life-changing surgery that for the Sharp family of Thirroul has come at a high price both financially and emotionally.

Tegan was born with severe cerebral palsy which has left her a Spastic Quadraplegic - wheelchair-bound for her entire life.

In recent years as Tegan has entered her teens her body has struggled to cope with its growing bone frame.

She has developed asthma from the pressure exerted on her chest cavity, her bowel has become disrupted due to the positioning of her ribcage on her pelvic bone and her left kidney has been pushed up into her abdomen area.

Doctors have told the family the muscles around her spine have simply given up.

What was a severe 73 degree curvature of her spine has spanned to 93 degrees in the last six months.

Her family can only imagine the pain she is in her communication skills are extremely limited.

"She cries when she's in pain, she smiles when she's happy," says her mum Narelle simply.

The operation that will straighten her body, allowing her organs to be realigned, will cost $60,000 including a lengthy recuperation period.

"We've been told the operation is high-risk there is a high risk of infection and even death," says Narelle.

"But seeing her like this & she's in pain all the time. We just don't have an option."

Local community members and businesses have rallied to the family's aid, holding a fundraiser for Tegan's operation in Bulli next Friday.

It's a move that has humbled the Sharp family. The couple juggle three jobs - Narelle as a registered nurse and Mark as a TAFE teacher and airconditioning technician - to cover the cost of Tegan's daily needs and the needs of their two younger sons Mitchell, 11, and Nelson, 5.

On February 16 organisers hope the community will show its support for the family by taking part in Tegan's fundraiser at Thirroul Bowling & Recreation Club.

The event will run from noon till 4pm and has the generous support of many local businesses and sporting identities including distance runner Kerryn McCann and ironman champ Darren Mercer. There will be auctions of sporting memorabilia on the night. Cost is $60 and includes buffet lunch and Carlton refreshments.

It is just one afternoon in a lifetime for those who take part - for Tegan it will mean a lifetime without pain.