School gives Chante new wheels

By Nicole Williams
LIFE changed dramatically for Chante Masset after a swimming accident left her a quadriplegic in January last year.
But thanks to the generosity of others, she is returning to normality.
She spent close to a year in the Austin Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre.
During that time, her school, St Francis Xavier College, undertook fundraising to renovate her house and buy and modify a car to accommodate her wheelchair.
The car was presented to her last week in front of her friends, family, nurses and donors at the school’s Berwick campus.
But she had no idea.
“Dad said to me that I was coming here for a meeting with all the doctors and stuff to talk about this year (going back to school),” Chante said.
“I didn’t even know what to say, I was shocked.”
Chante’s dad Robert said the generosity of people was overwhelming and added that the car would give her the freedom to do what she needed.
“You put yourself in this situation, when you’ve got a daughter in the hospital and you don’t know what’s going to happen the next day and then people come up and start doing things (like this),” Robert said.
“It just gives her a bit more normality in life and makes it so much easier.”
Rhonda O’Connor, pastoral associate at St Francis Xavier College said the Chante Masset Appeal received financial donations and builders offered to renovate her house for free.
“We received numerous donations from people, some large, some small,” Rhonda said.
The appeal raised over $80,000 – enough to buy and modify a Kia Carnival for Chante.
“Now she’s got the car, it means she can get out and have a normal life and do things normal kids do,” Rhonda said.
Chante started Year 8 at St Francis Xavier this year, although with a modified program and unable to attend all days.
The car will mean she can attend school everyday without hassle.
“It’s way easier than getting a taxi all the time. And now I can come to school in my car!” Chante said, with a bounce of excitement.
Robert said his daughter was happy.
“She’s home and she’s happy trying to be as normal as can be,” he said.
“Thank God, for those people who helped us.”