Real life - Brave Natalija, Rachael's My Hero
Carols by Candlelight's newest ambassador Rachael Leahcar is determined to help vision-impaired kids. Natalija Lambert had a brain tumour in her optic nerves when she was just nine months old. When it was removed, her nerves were severed, leaving her completely blind. But the brave Sydney girl, now eight hasn't let her handicap slow her down.
Nataliia, the star of Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight in 2010, dreams of following in the footsteps of her favourite singer, The Voice star Rachael Leahcar. So she was overwhelmed to be given the chance to sing with Rachael, now a Vision Australia Carols By Candlelight ambassador. Currently recording her new album, Rachael invited Natalija to visit the studio and, in a touching moment the pair performed a beautiful rendition of Hallelujah.
Help is at hand
Natalija's mother, Jadey, says having someone like Rachael, representing Vision Australia is a real inspiration. "When we told Natalija she was meeting Rachael she was beside herself," says Jadey. "This just gives a whole new light to her options:" Rachael, who has lost all but 10 per cent of her sight due to an eye condition, is delighted to be representing the organisation that has supported her and so many others. “It's nice to be using my singing to help people, especially a cause as great as Vision Australia," she tells Woman's Day. "Without them a lot of people wouId struggle. It just feels so good to help out.”
The Adelaide teenager says the assistance provided by Vision Australia is invaluable. "It's being able to talk to others about what's out there and what works best for them,” she says. "It really makes a difference just knowing that help is available.” A revolutionary bionic eye that is currently under development in Melbourne offers the hope that, one day, Rachael could have her eyesight restored. But for now, the singer is busy helping children like Natalija reach their dreams.”
Includes breakout box which reads - Make sure you buy next week's Woman's Day to get your free copy of the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight songbook. Includes further breakout box depicting normal vision versus Racheal’s vision with two photos of a Christmas tree side by side headed variously ‘What we see’, and ‘What Racheal sees’. The box also contains text as follows, “The Voice star Racheal Leahcar is legally blind due to a degenerative eye disease called retinosa pigmentosa, which has left her with only ten per cent of her vision.”