Two young sisters from New South Wales, Australia, are appealing for community support to complete a UV-safe backyard sanctuary before Christmas 2023. Twelve-year-old Amielle Walker and her seven-year-old sister Taya Walker live with xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare genetic condition that makes exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light perilous for their skin and eyes. As a result, they have been confined indoors for much of their lives.
Their mother, Yvette Walker, articulated the challenges her daughters face daily, stating, “It’s just unfathomable, really. Basically, every part of life is harder for them.” Currently, there is no treatment or cure available for this condition, leaving the family searching for alternative solutions to provide the girls with a semblance of normalcy in their childhood.
To facilitate outdoor play, the Walker family is constructing a backyard sanctuary designed to protect the sisters from UV rays. This innovative structure will feature special blinds, a UV-safe roof, and real grass, allowing Amielle and Taya to enjoy the outside world without the need for protective clothing. Their father, Nick Walker, emphasized their goal: “We just want to give them a normal childhood that any other child would experience.”
The sisters are eager to experience the joys of outdoor play. Amielle expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s going to be really fun. We’ll get to go out with our friends. It’s going to be life-changing.” Taya added, “Instead of just staying inside and playing inside and just being bored inside, we can actually go outside and play.”
Despite their efforts over the past four summers, the project remains incomplete. The financial burden of constructing the sanctuary has proven challenging, prompting the Walkers to seek assistance from their community. “Any support financially that people will be willing to give us to help us make this dream a reality,” Nick said, highlighting their commitment to making the sanctuary a reality.
The family has launched a GoFundMe page to gather donations and raise awareness for their cause. They hope to achieve their goal of providing Amielle and Taya with a safe outdoor space by Christmas, allowing them to engage in activities that many children take for granted. With the community’s help, the Walkers aspire to transform their backyard into a sanctuary where their daughters can thrive.
