Taryn’s a force for her family and community

Taryn Barrett and her youngest son Connor have faced many challenges since the boy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three weeks old.

Since then, she has worked and fought hard not only for her son, but for others in the community.

Taryn is one of 21 people selected as part of the South Western Times 21 Most Influential People list.

“I’m just a mum who’s trying to do everything that I can to try and give my son a longer future,” she said.

“All I want is more research dollars to get rid of this disease.”

Taryn’s drive to give her son the best life possible led her to establish the South West chapter of Conquer Cystic Fibrosis and become perhaps the biggest advocate for getting cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for children aged under six.

Aside from her cystic fibrosis battle, she has become one of the driving forces behind many community events, including the annual William Barrett and Son Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer.

“One of the benefits of living in a regional community is how everyone helps each other and supports each other,” Taryn said.

“I feel very lucky to live in the South West community, so I just want to keep contributing and keep making sure these injustices don’t continue.”

The people on the list are those in industry, business, government and sporting arenas, making our region a better place to live and work.

To view the list, click here and become a subscriber to the State’s best news and information today.