She couldn’t walk, but she danced through life
About Stephie’s Choice Foundation
Stephanie-Ann Clifford (Stephie) was like most normal kids; she was full of life. She was diagnosed at 7 years old with Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) — a rare, neurodegenerative condition that causes severe disability and shortens life. Stephie’s physical world became more limited over time, but her light, joy, and presence only expanded.
Hope Through Support
She laughed loudly, loved generously, and lived each moment like it truly mattered.
As her condition progressed, her parents — Gavin and Andrea Clifford — founders of Stephie’s Choice Foundation — watched her struggle with something as simple as eating. The food options available to her were limited, bland, and often unappetising. It became clear there was a real need for meals that were not only safe to eat, but also comforting and enjoyable.
Kindness in Action
So, Gavin took matters into his own hands. He started preparing meals specifically for Stephie — meals that were tailored to her needs but still made with care, flavour and love. That small act grew into a much bigger vision: to provide high-quality, texture-modified meals to others facing similar challenges.
From there, Ezy Chef was born. And later, Ezy Foods (following Stephie’s passing) — a purpose-driven food manufacturing business grounded in compassion, quality, and real-world experience.
To honour Stephie’s memory, her family established the Stephie’s Choice Foundation Ltd — an ACNC Registered charity dedicated to helping others less able.
Our mission is simple, yet powerful: “Make a positive difference in people’s lives through Living in the Moment.”
Creating Meaningful Impact
Stephie’s Choice Foundation raises awareness around ‘Living in the Moment’, providing funding toward simple pleasures that would enable a child or adult with special needs the resource to live life in the moment, and through Ezy Foods advocates for better food standards across care settings. The Foundation also collaborates with healthcare providers, NDIS partners, and food manufacturers to ensure people with swallowing difficulties aren’t overlooked.
In every initiative, Stephie’s spirit lives on — through food, support, and hope.
Board of Management
The Board of Management for Stephie’s Choice Foundation is responsible for and directs the operations of the charity. They ensure that the charity meets all the requirements outlined by the ACNC.
Gavin Clifford
Andrea Clifford
Aidan Davitt
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board provide guidance and support to the Board of Management.
Gavin Clifford
Andrea Clifford
Shireen Pires
Bob Lee
Lauretta Lee
Ambassador
Stephie was a long-time supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club. Sam Mitchell, now Senior Coach of the Hawthorn Football Club, surprised her at her 18th birthday party. From that meeting they became friends and Sam would regularly check in with Stephie. When the Hawk’s won a premiership, he would bring the Premiership Cup to her house to celebrate with her. Sam would call or visit around Christmas and other special occasions.
