b'Practical support for people in times of need For people like Sonia, 2020s COVID-19 restrictions werent just about lockdownthey were about life and death. Diagnosed with diabetes at 16, Sonia has spentI wouldnt survive, she says.I dont haveher life in and out of doctors rooms, adjustingan immune system to fight it off.to life with a chronic illness. Frightened for her life, she did everything Though she managed her condition well,she could to keep herself safe. But between Sonias health took a turn for the worse in herbalancing bills, managing her daughters care, early fifties. To her dismay, she was forced toand monitoring the threat of infection, Sonia start dialysis in 2018. had never been so stressed.She worried life would never be the same again.She knew she needed helpmore thanBut over Christmas in 2019, Sonia was given ever before.a gift shed never forget: a healthy kidney. Uniting stepped in, offering the support she I got the call and flew from Hobart toneeded to feel secure. Melbourne that night, says Sonia. I hadI try not to rely on them too often, but Uniting surgery the next day.has always been there when weve needed it, Uniting was there for Sonia throughout theSonia recalls.transplant process, joining her and her family Theyve helped pay our electricity and phone on the journey to recovery. We made sure theybill, given us fresh food or food vouchers, and had food in the fridge, presents at Christmas,even vouchers to buy Christmas presents for and financial relief when bills piled up. Emily. Uniting has helped our family in so When the pandemic reached Australia, many wayswere really grateful.Sonia was scared. I knew if I got (COVID-19),Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2020-2021 29'