Mother describes challenges and joys of raising child with Williams syndrome

A Mother’s Advocacy: Caring for a Daughter with Williams Syndrome

Kerrie Franc, 47, from Ballarat, has dedicated her life to caring for her 14-year-old daughter, Pippa, who lives with Williams syndrome. Their journey, marked by early medical struggles and ongoing challenges, is also filled with deep joy.

Pippa was born at 38 weeks, weighing just 1.1 kilograms due to intrauterine growth restriction. She required immediate neonatal intensive care.

It took 15 months for doctors to confirm a diagnosis of Williams syndrome, after Kerrie’s initial concerns were repeatedly dismissed.

Pippa is developmentally at the level of a four-year-old.

She requires constant supervision due to a complete lack of danger awareness, a hallmark of her condition. Kerrie describes the family’s life as a mix of “significant challenges and joy.”

Kerrie lives with persistent anxiety about two major fears:

• Pippa’s potential sudden death, a known risk for individuals with Williams syndrome due to cardiovascular complications.
• Uncertainty about future care arrangements for Pippa when she can no longer provide care herself.

Despite these personal challenges, Kerrie has become a powerful advocate. She works with Carers Australia, using her experience to support other families navigating similar paths.