THE young and talented Busselton teen Monique Maggi is no ordinary fifteen year old.
Not only does Monique complete her high school studies at home while pursuing an acting career she is also the full time carer for her mum who is undergoing cancer treatment.
For all the amazing things Monique does for her mum she was nominated as a finalist in the 2015 Young People Who Care Awards.
Her mum Leanne Maggi said the pair were two peas in a pod and she thought it was great someone thought to nominate Monique.
“She’s an angel, caring and there when I need her,” she said.
Monique said not many people knew about young carers or understood their situation and wished more people would do research about them.
“It is so amazing to have these young people who are so in love with their family members they would do anything for them,” she said.
“I wish more people would research young carers and realise there are young children who look after their parents, siblings and family members.
“You don’t have to be older to look after them just taking a coffee or making an effort to help for five minutes means so much you don’t have to do all these drastic things.”
Each day Monique gives her mum medication, prepares meals, does housework and regularly travels with her mum to Perth where she undergoes cancer treatment.
At night, Monique would sleep on a mattress beside her mum’s bed in case she needed to get up or required help.
“Everyone makes it sound like I’m doing this big thing like I’m giving up so much and doing so many things but I don’t see it that way it’s how it’s always been,” she said.
“It’s the two of us we just look after each other.”
Winners for the Young People Who Care Awards Ceremony will be announced at the State Theatre Centre of WA on December 8.
