YTM - Supporting the Start foundation
YTM is a proud supporter of the START foundation which empowers amputees in life through sport.
This is why: We first met Michelle Jelleff, one of the founding directors and Chair of the START foundation, when YTM held a networking and co-working day in Highett. Michelle shared with the group of business owners, the reason why the START foundation exists and the challenges faced along the way.
START was established in 2013 in response to a tragic incident. Michelle’s sister-in-law Kerryn Harvey contracted a life-threatening, flesh-eating bacteria as a result of a minor cycling accident. Radical surgery was required and a right forequarter amputation (arm and shoulder) was performed.
Cycling had been Kerryn Harvey’s passion so getting back on the bike was a really important part of her recovery. It cost $2,000 to have a bicycle modified so Kerryn could ride and participate again in triathlons. When her family and friends saw the difference it made to Kerryn's ability to reclaim her life, they knew there was an opportunity to empower other amputees in a similar situation.
Michelle and Kerryn Harvey’s resilience in making sense of a devastating experience created a force and momentum for change. It was the catalyst for starting an inspiring organisation that combines Michelle’s two passions, sport and education, to make a difference. Both of these passions are enablers for empowerment and confidence—the very skills she uses to drive the START foundation.
Michelle’s thirty-plus years of experience in education and sporting organisations in Australia and the United States, along with ten years working as a teacher and then administrator, have helped her adapt to unexpected circumstances. Since establishing START, she has drawn on all her experience and networking capability to ensure the right people and skill sets are on the START team.
YTM invited Michelle to be the first speaker for YTM’s 2017 series of professional development and networking events. It was the beginning of a relationship between the YTM team, YTM Community and Start foundation.
Over the years START foundation’s inspirational story has provided our community with opportunity to gain new perspective on life and business through real life examples of how their grant recipients have been able to move forward through adversity when the going gets tough.
In July 2019, Sara Shams , a grant recipient was interviewed at the YTM dinner on “Teamwork and Collaboration” , Sara shared first hand experience, both in her professional and personal life. YTM collaborated with START to help Sara realise her dream to participate in a 5km run , and Written and Recorded contributed their expertise to the interview and podcast production to share the story and raise the profile of START. Listen to the podcast HERE.
When Michelle or Sara have shared their insights, the room of event participants have been completely absorbed , confirming YTM’s belief that as a network, we can start a ripple effect and support, connect, contribute and create awareness that can generate action and make a difference.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Running a business can be lonely and having conversations with other business professionals in similar situations helps you to build relationships, build trust and build your business. It is also very important to keep life in perspective.
The theme for the YTM in 2019, was "Teamwork and Collaboration".
Our speaker, Sara Sham's - a START foundation Grant recipient shared her story and experience of the collaboration and teamwork involved in achieving her dream.