Every year, Continence Health Australia calls for nominations for the Carer of the Year Award, which publicly acknowledges the vital role that unpaid carers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of so many in our community.
We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2025 Carer of the Year Award is Keren Franks, who was nominated by her sister-in-law. Keren has been a carer for her daughter Bella for over 22 years, which ultimately inspired Keren to establish her own registered charity, Young Leaders of Tasmania.
Caring for Bella
Keren has been a primary carer for her daughter Bella since birth, “I remember the early years, they were very much just one diagnosis after another,” Keren recalls.
Bella was born with Kabuki syndrome, which is a rare, congenital, multisystem disorder characterised by multiple abnormalities including distinctive facial features, skeletal abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and other medical conditions. The features of Kabuki syndrome can vary from person to person, however for Bella this also involves bilateral kidney reflux (where urine flows back from the bladder to the kidneys) and frequent urinary tract infections.
Around age five, Bella also began to experience severe constipation, pain, and often had toilet accidents. She was also diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus, which is a chronic skin condition that commonly affects the genital and anal areas.
“A lot of my caring role is supporting Bella with the Lichen Sclerosus, dealing with flare ups of symptoms. Plus the constipation which leads to bowel impaction that she regularly experiences.”
Bella has needed full-time support with her personal care since birth, but Keren speaks selflessly about her contribution as a primary carer, “I do it because I love the person I care for. It’s just what any compassionate parent would do.”
Keren admits that caring for a loved one is not always easy, and she’s had to overcome difficult feelings of isolation and grief.
“You have these hopes and dreams for the baby you think you’re going to have, and then you’re thrown into such a different world with medical appointments, surgeries and planning flights to hospitals. It was challenging watching my friends’ children being out of nappies and walking, and then seeing Bella still in a walking frame and incontinent.”
“Keren is selfless in her work and passionate about promoting and advocating for people living with a disability,” said Allison, Keren's sister-in-law who nominated her for the award.
You are not alone
“The hardest thing for me to understand was that we are not alone and we are not isolated. There are people out there with amazing programs to help families reach out and get connected," says Keren.
"If there is one piece of advice I could give to other carers, it’s to reach out and use support. I have met some amazing carers who are now life-long friends. I have also had the most wonderful support from my husband and family. Ron is such a hands-on dad and has been a pillar of strength in our family, and my mum has always been there to help me in my caring role, too.”
Keren also prioritises her own wellbeing and says this is one of the most important things she can do as a carer. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. I’ve always tried to keep the view that if I don't look after myself, then I can’t help Bella.”
“I joined a gym and make time for exercise, which is my main form of self-care. But you could get a massage or go for a walk on the beach. Whatever makes you feel good, you should try to make time to do it and not feel guilty about it.”
“Keren and Bella’s story has been one of strength, courage and determination.”
Young Leaders of Tasmania
Before moving to the Southern Support School, Bella started her education in a mainstream school setting, where Keren witnessed the positive impact Bella was having on her peers. “Initially we were just amazed at how much their personal growth and leadership skills were evolving organically through working with Bella, and how Bella was teaching them about disability and inclusion.”
This inspired Keren to establish the charity, Young Leaders of Tasmania and the School Buddies Program, where children from mainstream schools complete a disability awareness practical leadership program. This involves students being buddied with a child living with a disability and working alongside that child, through weekly visits to the support school.
“The program helps to reduce the stigma of disability and increases the understanding that underneath the surface, everyone is the same and we all feel the same emotions.”
Through Keren’s lobbying, Young Leaders of Tasmania has now gained State Government funding to roll out the program across all support schools in Tasmania.
Congratulations to Keren, who will be awarded the Carer of the Year Award at the 33rd National Conference on Incontinence in May 2025.
Need continence advice? Contact the FREE National Continence Helpline to speak to a nurse continence specialist 1800 33 00 66 (8am-8pm AEST Mon-Fri).