Our Story
In the journey of life, we often find ourselves navigating paths we never anticipated. For our family, this unexpected journey began when we became parents to a child with unique medical needs. The challenges were immense, the learning curve steep, and the sense of isolation at times overwhelming. Yet, amid these trials, there was an undeniable thread of beauty and resilience that wove through our experiences. It is from this place of profound growth and connection that MERCI CO. has been established.
It’s hard to believe that we have now been navigating this journey for a decade. Like any parent, each birthday brings a moment to reflect on milestones—marvelling at how far their child has come, how much they’ve grown, and how much they’ve changed. With each passing day, week, and year, our pride and love for our children only deepen. While this experience is no different from that of any other parent, the complexities we’ve faced through our son’s medical challenges have taught us invaluable lessons along the way.
Through reflection we have been able to consider all we have learned, overcome and how much we have risen above so many challenges. Sometimes it takes stepping back to see these things clearly. Looking back at our sons first few years, I honestly don’t know how we managed, but like any parent, we did the best we could with what we knew and had. We asked questions, strove to learn, and did everything possible to give him the healthiest start in life despite the numerous mountains he had to climb.
Like any parent navigating the medical world for some time, we often don’t realise our own personal growth along the way. Through reflections, we’ve come to recognise how much knowledge and experience we’ve gained, and feel driven to share. If we can make just one other parent’s journey a little bit easier by sharing what we’ve learned, that’s not only the least we can do but both a privilege and a honour. Both now and into the future, as MERCI CO. evolves, we are excited to share our learnings through a variety of ways and very much look forward to continuing to connect with others, supporting their growth and helping them thrive. As we move forward, we look forward to sharing these insights, so families can build upon them, grow, and find strength in their own journeys.
Motivate. Educate. Respect. Connect. Inspire. These five pillars form the heartbeat of MERCI CO., currently a social media platform dedicated to our reflections, learnings and musings when raising a child with medical needs. Our mission is deeply personal and embedded in our own story, as well as the stories of countless other parents who have faced similar challenges. Through MERCI CO., we hope to create a space that feels like a warm embrace—a place where others can find the motivation to keep going, the education to feel empowered, the respect for their own unique journey, the connection with others who understand, and the inspiration to see the beauty in every moment.
MERCI CO., however, is not just for parents of children with a medical condition, illness, or disability. It is a community platform because we can all find inspiration in others. We can all learn ways to become a more informed community, find ways to support and uplift those in our community facing challenges, and together, create a better world for us all. They say it takes one small step at a time. So Let's start taking these steps not only in our local community but throughout South Australia and beyond. Together, we will make strides in creating a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding society.