LIKE Russell Crowe’s character in A Beautiful Mind, Annaliese Porter is sublimely gifted but afflicted by health problems not of her own making.
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An intellectual virtuoso, Ms Porter, 20, was a child prodigy, a published poet at eight who would often answer the questions teachers couldn’t in class.
But in a cruel twist of fate, her gifts are being overshadowed by the health struggles she faces every day.
Ms Porter is living with a litany of physical challenges, including multiple brain tumours, Asperger’s, epilepsy, diabetes, scoliosis and hearing and vision impairment.
As medical bills mount, her Calala family is struggling to cope – but help is at hand.
At a special fundraising concert tomorrow afternoon, some of the city’s best known musos will band together to raise funds for the Porters.
Wanita’s Giant Jam Session, to be held at West Tamworth Bowling Club from 2pm until late, will draw a diverse range of artists including Lynette Guest, Marie Hodson, Two Gals, Kez ‘n’ Mike and Kellie and Jodie Crosby.
Wanita, Australia’s Queen of Honkytonk, and local musician Carolyne Morris have helped organise the event, which will include a raffle and memorabilia auction.
Entry will be by gold coin donation and all-up organisers are hoping to raise $5000 to go towards medical bills.
If you can’t make the night but still want to donate, the Rotary Club of Tamworth has opened a special
Westpac bank account: BSB: 032 621, account number: 527 231.