St John legends inspire young Academy member to step up to help others

Twelve-year-old Ruth has spent much of her young life in and out of hospitals.

Rather than wanting to leave them behind, she’s determined to keep coming back but, in future, in a very different capacity

If there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that she wants to help people.

Ruth wants to be a paramedic, and she’s already on her way to developing the skills and qualities to be one.

“This is what I want to do, this is what I want to be,” Ruth said.

“I want to be able to help people.”

It’s a determination that comes as no surprise to her dad Paul.

“I don’t think anything could hold Ruth back from anything she wants to achieve,” he said.

“If she wants it, she’ll go for it.”

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two, Ruth has faced her share of challenging experiences and lengthy hospital visits.

“Despite the tough times, she’s never lost her smile,” Paul said.

“She just takes it all in her stride.”

Early last year, Ruth underwent a serious operation followed by what Paul describes as a painful and challenging recovery.

Despite that, she was soon back on her feet – quite literally.

“She beat all the expectations,” Paul said.

“She stood at her first post-operative rehab appointment, and they weren’t expecting her to stand for a few days, but she was determined to walk.”

For Ruth, doing things differently has simply always been part of life.

“I don’t walk the same as you. I’m not as strong as you are. I can’t do specific things that you think are normal, but for me it’s just a normal thing,” she said.

Inspired for the future

That same determination is now firmly focused on Ruth’s future, and there’s little doubt in her mind about what she wants it to look like.

Her interest in paramedicine was sparked by St John WA’s Land of Legends, a children’s book which tells the stories of the paramedics, volunteers and staff who answer the call of those in need.

The stories captured Ruth’s imagination and introduced her to the work of St John WA.

“She just never really looked back in terms of her interest in being a paramedic,” Paul said.

Ruth’s grandmother even hand-made a replica paramedic uniform for young Ruth and now Ruth is learning real hands-on skills to make that dream a reality in the future.

Finding her people

Ruth is taking steps towards her paramedicine dream as an enthusiastic member of St John Academy.

The St John Academy develops young people aged 12 to 17 as community leaders, equipping them with life-saving skills and providing a strong foundation for those interested in future healthcare careers.

For Ruth, it’s also somewhere she has found a community of young people who share her interests.

“She’s found her people there,” Paul said.

“People who ‘get’ her and share the same enthusiasm.”

Ruth agreed.

“I get to learn a lot of new things, and it can also help my future,” she said.

With many Academy members using the program as a pathway into healthcare, St John WA is proud to be helping inspire and develop the paramedics, nurses and doctors of the future.

And if Ruth’s determination so far is anything to go by, she’s already well on her way.

Learn more about St John Academy.