Help from Above and Beyond

By Nicole Williams
TYLER Parfuss is a young boy with much to say – but cerebral palsy means he struggles to get the words out.
To help put the words in Tyler’s mouth, his father Mark and 10 fitness friends from Above and Beyond are tackling the ultimate obstacle course, Tough Mudder on Sunday.
“Tyler has spent his five years learning how to do everything the hard way, so I figure it is time I also do something the hard away,” Mr Parfuss said.
“Challenging is probably the wrong word – crazy is more like it.”
Tough Mudder is a hardcore 18-20 kilometre obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces and set up at Phillip Island.
Participants have to make their way through mud, fire, icy water, and 10,000 volts of electricity.
Mr Parfuss said Tyler had very limited communication skills and a Dynavox communication device would mean he would be able to go to mainstream school.
“He’s trying to talk and communicate,” Mr Parfuss said.
“It is coming along, but at the moment, it’s not a normal five-year-old talking.
“This device will help him communicate and interact with other kids.”
It will also help within the home.
“You’re always going to argue with your five-year-old, but it would be good to understand what he wants rather than just guess and presume,” Mr Parfuss said.
Although Tyler may not understand the extent of the challenge his dad is putting himself through, Mr Parfuss said he can sense something silly is afoot.
“He has met everyone that is doing it and had a play with us all,” he said.
“He understands that Dad is doing something really silly.”
The Dynavox will cost $12,000 and the Above and Beyond team hope to raise $2000.
“Obviously, we wouldn’t be able to afford that ($12,000), so this will be a little assistance,” Mr Parfuss said.
“Two thousand will be an excellent start.
“Having a child with cerebral palsy is tough, so this will hopefully help Tyler and then help other kids.”
The Parfuss family will pass the Dynavox device onto other families once Tyler no longer needs it.
To support the Above and Beyond Team in the Tough Mudder and help with Tyler’s communication, donations can be made by searching Mark Parfuss at www.gofundraise.com.au