Zoe's story

My name is Zoe, I am 14 and live in New South Wales. One unique thing about me is the fact that my family all think I am some kind of animal whisperer

I have been caring for my mum for 2 years. My mum requires care because she has Multiple Sclerosis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. I have to care mum because sometimes she needs it and all the time she needs people to be there for her. However, I also have to stay back from school some mornings if she is not feeling well. Just like me I’d imagine other young carers would also have to remind people of things and help them do certain things.

Being away from my mother makes me feel bad, like I am letting her down sometimes. Being a carer has changed my life because it has helped with my relationship with mum. Because of my caring role I am sometimes unable to have my own space and time.

Being a carer has taught me that life, time and your relationships with people are all vital to life! I would cope better with my caring role if my brothers could help sometimes

I would like others to realise that MS and AS are not just four letters, they are life impacting diseases. My piece of advice to my fellow young carers is, the people you are caring for are being vulnerable with you, and that should only make you love them more.