Lana Dodd uses her singing and song writing to deal with childhood abuse.
Camera IconLana Dodd uses her singing and song writing to deal with childhood abuse. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Survivor finds solace in soulful music

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

At only 18-years-old, the singer/songwriter has suffered more trauma than many have in their entire life.

After being subjected to years of abuse throughout her childhood, Dodd bravely faced one of the perpetrators and put them in jail, but her nightmare was not yet over.

Last year, her mother died from cancer one week before Dodd's birthday, leaving her and her sister on the verge of homelessness.

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Their aunty, Charlie Caruso, opened her home and took them in, but the trauma and loss became too much for Dodd and she was hospitalised. She still has days where she can't face the world, but said her music was what gave her strength and got her through her ordeal.

The talented teenager " who lists Lauren Hill, Jessica Mauboy and Sam Smith among her idols and inspirations " has been singing since she was seven and writing her own songs since she was about 12 .

"I would love a career singing; music is my life and I would love to do something that I enjoy," she said.

"My music has helped me get through things the past few years.

"When my mum passed away last year, my process for dealing with it was to write songs about it."

Ms Caruso, who has encouraged and nurtured Dodd's talent, set up a fundraiser page to reach $3500 to buy her a computer with which to record and edit her music.

On the fundraiser page, Ms Caruso called her niece a "survivor".

"The one thing that seems to light up her world, is music. It is her passion, her escape, her reason for living," she wrote.

Dodd said she was grateful for all the support she has received.

To help Dodd reach her goal, go to www.chuffed.org.