Hope for a cure inspires Caoimhe

Caoimhe McCooey has a bright smile and a flair for showmanship. The 21-year-old puts both to good use and has become a familiar face at Glen Huntly Woolworths.

Caoimhe, who has Down Syndrome, has been busking at her local Woolies since 2020, selflessly raising money for various charities.

“I like giving to the community, it gives you a sense of achievement and you feel proud of yourself,” she says.

“Between lockdowns, I woke up one morning and told my parents and my carer that I’d like to go busking.

“Together we asked the Woolworths manager if I could busk there, and I’ve been busking ever since.”

Caoimhe’s taste for fun, embellished outfits and her joyful dancing make her a popular performer. Her advice for aspiring buskers? Be yourself.

“You need to have confidence and bravery and believe in yourself,” she says.

“It doesn’t matter what other people think, just be yourself.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved dancing, performing and singing in front of an audience.

“It is a huge part of my life, and it has honestly helped me cope with having diabetes.”

After she was diagnosed with type 1 in 2023, Caoimhe decided to commit her fundraising to Diabetes Victoria.

“I found it really challenging not being able to have the sweet treats that I loved,” she explains.

“With support from my loved ones and health professionals I learnt how to deal with diabetes, even though I get very angry and upset.

“I get sick of always having to check my numbers and having a glucose monitor on me.

“It makes me feel like I have been put in a separate box from the rest of the world. I want to change this for me and everyone else.”

Caoimhe has raised a whopping $13,000 in four years and says she plans to continue busking and donating indefinitely.

“I have chosen to raise money for Diabetes Victoria because I desperately want a cure,” she explains.

“I recently heard about a new insulin that is being developed, which may allow those with diabetes to not have to worry about anything and they could eat more freely.”

New and improved insulins are currently being developed by diabetes researchers in Victoria and worldwide. These include fast-acting insulins, glucose-responsive or ‘smart’ insulins and oral insulins, for needle-free insulin delivery.

It’s not lost on Caoimhe that this research requires ongoing funding, and she’s determined to contribute as much as she can.

Her philanthropy is helping Diabetes Victoria achieve its vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

“I am really hoping new treatments will come out soon and I’ll continue to raise money to help achieve this,” she says.

“I will never give up on raising money for Diabetes Victoria, even if it takes a million trials to get this cure happening.

“I want a better future for this community.

“If you want something badly, you’ve got to do what you can to make it happen.”

With your support, we can raise funds for vital research and support services for people affected by diabetes. Learn more about how you can get involved in fundraising for Diabetes Victoria: https://www.diabetesvic.org.au/get-involved/donate/