So when her parents found her still in her cot, with her eyes open but unable to blink, they knew something was seriously wrong.

The young Nowra resident had been struck with a severe form of encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tissue.

Her acquired brain injury meant Clare instantly lost the ability to walk, talk and crawl.

The next three months were spent in Westmead Children's Hospital where Clare underwent intensive physical therapy and worked with Ted Freeman, co-founder of the National Brain Injury Foundation.

He told Clare and her family to "never give up."

They took his advice to heart and after returning home to the Shoalhaven, Clare spent the time up until she started pre-school working with a team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and educators at Noah's Shoalhaven.

Now aged 24, Clare is about to embark on new chapter - helping others. She's undergoing a bridging course at the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven campus and will start a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology in 2020.

While she's enjoyed the last four years working as a receptionist at a Nowra medical centre, Clare's ready for the next step.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and seeing where it takes me," she said.

"I want to be a general psychologist or a child physiologist, I think I can really relate to, and help, people."

Clare won't be taking on her studies alone. She'll be joined by her boyfriend Cameron Lennie who also hasn't let a disability slow him down.

The pair met in an assisted living unit in Goulburn. While they were only there for a week, Clare struck up the courage to ask Cameron for his number.

"He was too shy so I had to do it," she laughed.

"We started texting everyday."

That was three years ago and the pair is excited about their future together. Clare hopes to head to Wollongong after finishing her degree, with Cameron saying "of course" he'll make the move with her.

While Clare still experiences some challenges through her physical disability, including muscle deterioration that's worsened since having to use a mobility scooter during her high school years, she's maintained a positive, determined outlook.

She got her first tattoo two years ago, now one of six, which sums up her powerful attitude.

"It says 'everything will be all alright in the end, and if it's not alright, it's not the end'," Clare said.

About Noah's Shoalhaven

Noah's has been caring for children and young people in the Shoalhaven with a disability or special need and their families for almost 40 years.

Around 800 local families currently access the services provided by Noah's, with growing numbers of children affected by a disability that makes life at home, school and in the community challenging.

The specialist team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and educators and extensive support programs nurture families and help them to make the most of every opportunity in life.

They're currently running a tax appeal appealing for donations from the local community before June 30. You can donate here or join the Kids Supporter Club as a regular supporter.

For more information on Noah's, contact 4423 5022 or head to noahs.org.au