Sunny outlook makes Melinda a winner

Strong and sassy Melinda Bennett, who has an incurable degenerative disease, was awarded the inaugural NZgirl Legendary Member Award yesterday. It will continue to be held every year in her name. Photo / Paul Taylor

The internet is Melinda Bennett's window to the world.

The 34-year-old is confined to a wheelchair and her one-bedroom Napier flat most days due to a life-shortening, incurable degenerative disease called Friedreich's Ataxia or "sweet FA" as she calls it - which kills nerves and tightens muscles.

But she doesn't let lifestyle bring her down, much like the sunflowers she adores.

Ms Bennett's outlook is open and sunny: "When life hands you lemons, add vodka and a pinch of salt," the sassy blogger says.

Although in a wheelchair, her brain is still bright, but her hands and fingers are starting to lose strength and she fears it will become increasingly difficult to share her stories online.

Her vibrancy, wicked sense of humour and unending kindness made her an instant hit on the web.

Due to her condition, Melinda needs hands-on care for most of the basics, yet for the past five years she has actively shared her bright view of the world as a blogger with NZgirl and Bloggersclub.

She is founder of GladTown, a place where it is proposed Hawke's Bay people do something to make the lives of others "a little gladder" - whether that be swapping produce or sharing a smile.

"I believe we all have a responsibility and we must care for each other and in doing so make life easier for someone else," Ms Bennett says.

"I challenge you all to do at least one thing a day to make our town gladder, it may only be a drop in the ocean but every drop of water can help a sunflower to grow and bring cheer."

Yesterday her incredible spirit, courage, compassion and zest for life were celebrated with the inaugural NZgirl Legendary Member Award held at Shed 2 in Ahuriri. From now on it will be an annual event held in her honour, celebrating the "Melindas" of this world.

"There are two options in life - number one, to live in the light, number two to live in the dark - I choose the first one," Ms Bennett says.

NZgirl founder Jenene Crossan first met the bright young woman in 2012, when she approached them to raise money for flights to Australia to see her mother, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The team rallied around to find prizes she could sell on Trade Me, and ended up with a boxful which Ms Crossan hand-delivered to Ms Bennett's Napier home.

"I went to the door in that moment I saw her puppydog eyes - she is just the most charismatic person, she shows strength I don't think I would have in her position," she said.

"People with disabilities are just left alone so often, but her outlet is the internet and we are so happy for that."

Ms Bennett was "very nervous" about the attention yesterday's award ceremony brought, but it did give her a chance to be pampered with hair, makeup, and a new dress.

"All the family at NZgirl ... have surprised me beyond surprise with this lovely event and their support," she said.

The scene was very different to her everyday life, which was restricted by caregivers' timetables and basic local and governmental support.

NZgirl has set up a Givealittle account so she does not have to worry about heating bills in winter, can buy gluten-free food which helps transform her health and to spend on whatever else she may need.

"We wanted her not to have to worry about anything," Ms Crossan says.

Visit Ms Bennett's Givealittle page: givealittle.co.nz/cause/melindabennett