Joseph* is a bright, happy and joyful nine-year-old who has been in long-term care with his foster family since he was a baby.
In the last year, Joseph has faced multiple hurdles including receiving diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, as well as being hospitalised and subsequently diagnosed with Diabetes, four days before Christmas.
Joseph has faced his new reality with extraordinary resilience and courage, learning to monitor his blood sugar levels, manage his new dietary restrictions and overcoming his fear of needles to self-administer his insulin.
Joseph has also not allowed his multiple diagnoses to limit him, instead he has approached them with curiosity and determination all while continuing to bring laughter and warmth to all around him.
*Name changed and stock photo used to protect privacy