Jocelyn inspires with spinal-injury fundraiser
Losing the ability to walk would shatter most people’s outlook on life but becoming quadriplegic has motivated Jocelyn Franciscus to help others with spinal-cord injuries (SCI).
After breaking her neck while holidaying in Queensland almost five years ago, the Mt Lawley local felt isolated from her friends and family back in WA. It was then she realised the important role technology plays in helping people with severe disabilities to reconnect.
With a background in occupational therapy and a love for art, Franciscus formed the idea for a fundraiser that would raise capital to help improve the lives of people living with spinal injuries.
“While I was in hospital for nine months I couldn’t write an email, a Facebook message or communicate that well with the outside world because of my lack of hand function; it was incredibly isolating and frustrating,” she toldAAA .
“The week I left hospital also happened to be the week the first iPad was released in Australia. Suddenly I could type and it opened up a world to me that was unobtainable the week before. It got me thinking about the incredible power of technology and assistive equipment and how it can open doors for people like me with a disability.”
Though she remained in Queensland for rehabilitation after her accident, Franciscus is back in Perth where she’s preparing to launch Cord, an art auction to raise proceeds to buy specialised equipment for the spinal injury unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Taking place at Whipper Snapper Distillery on Saturday, the art auction will feature work donated by 22 local creatives including Pippa McManus and Paul Deej, as well as performances by the Stoops and Sarah Pellicano.
“While I’ve always been a huge advocate of finding a cure for SCI, I’m hugely passionate about what we can do in the here and now to assist people with SCI access their communities and live successful lives,” Franciscus said of the initiative.
For the inaugural Cord event, she has invited artists to create works to the themes of connection and disconnection.
