Sarah has been diagnosed with rare neurological disorder Rett syndrome.

Ms Dunn said while there were many things she needed for Sarah, the bed rails were the biggest priority to ensure she was safe in bed.

Sarah was about 18-months-old when she was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Those with the condition are often referred to as silent angels because the disorder affects their ability to verbally communicate.

“We had a perfectly normal little girl. She met lots of milestones so she could say three word sentences, she was walking, running. The first thing Sarah lost was her words,” Ms Dunn said.

Overnight, Sarah was left with the ability to only saying four words, including ‘mum’. After that Sarah slowly stopped accepting food and then she started having seizures.

Ms Dunn said if there was one thing she could stop her daughter from experiencing it would be the seizures.

“Seizures can totally destroy their lives. They really take everything from the kids,” she said. 

“She was walking until the seizures hit two-and-a-half years ago. But we’re working on it. She can stand independently now and she tries to walk but she falls flat on her face. But she’s pretty proud of herself.”

On the long list of things Ms Dunn is waiting to get for Sarah is a special communication device. The tablet uses infrared lights to see where Sarah is looking and then ‘translates’ it into words and sentences.

Despite the challenges, Ms Dunn said she wouldn’t change anything about her daughter, who is one of three siblings.

“She wouldn’t be who she is if she didn’t have Rett Syndrome. On good days she’s an absolute delight,” Ms Dunn said.

“Just like everyone she has her good days and her bad days.”

Ms Dunn said she was very grateful to for the money from the Dubbo Country Music Association.

Association president Shane Saffy said during the year the organisation had also donated $1000 for Breast Care, which went to the wig library, and $1000 towards Clare’s Angels.