‘WE DESERVE TO BE RECOGNISED'

MUM THEA CALZONI TELLS THE RAW, HONEST TRUTH ABOUT BEING A FULL-TIME CARER FOR HER SON

- Courtney Greatrex

Just like any parent, Thea Calzoni’s life changed forever when she gave birth to her son, Julian, 34 years ago.

But unlike most mothers, Thea’s responsibility to her son, who has an intellectual disability, did not end when he reached the age of 18 – and at 67, she continues to be his full-time carer.

To mark National Carers Week, a time that celebrates and recognises the 2.65 million Australians who support others with a disability, Thea is reflecting on a lifetime of caring for her son by releasing her honest and eye-opening memoir, Dancing with the Maternal Bond.

“It’s really important for carers to feel acknowledged,” she tells New Idea. “When you pause and reflect, you realise, ‘I do have a lot to give.’ And you can feel good about that.”

Thea and her partner, Ron, 64, realised that Julian was different when he was slow to hit his milestones as a baby. When they were sent to a special playgroup by a paediatrician, the family’s concerns were confirmed.